Professional Snow Removal Services in Malden, MA

Malden Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow removal is a critical legal responsibility for all property owners in Malden, MA. City ordinances and state laws require prompt action to ensure that sidewalks and pathways remain passable for all residents, particularly during the winter months. Strict enforcement protocols, including clearly defined timeframes, clearance standards, and penalty structures, are in place to promote public safety and accessibility throughout Malden’s neighborhoods.

Malden Department of Public Works
356 Commercial Street, Malden, MA 02148
Phone: (781) 397-7160
Official Website: Malden Department of Public Works

Understanding Malden's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

Malden enforces municipal snow removal ordinances requiring property owners and occupants to clear sidewalks abutting their properties within 12 hours after snowfall ends. The clearance must create a safe, passable walkway of at least 36 inches in width. For overnight snowfall, the 12-hour period begins at sunrise. Owners must also remove or treat ice to achieve bare pavement or provide sufficient traction materials, such as sand or salt. Depositing snow or ice onto public streets or sidewalks is strictly prohibited. These rules are established under local ordinance and apply to both residential and commercial properties. For full legal reference, see Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5. Malden’s ordinances can be reviewed at the Snow and Ice Removal Ordinance.

• Timeframe: Sidewalks must be cleared within 12 hours after snow ceases; after overnight storms, by noon the following day.
• Clearance Width: Minimum of 36 inches to ensure accessibility for all pedestrians, including those using mobility devices.
• Ice Removal: All ice must be removed or treated with sand/salt for safe passage.
• Street Deposition Prohibited: Throwing or plowing snow into public streets or onto sidewalks is not allowed.

Fines for non-compliance are as follows:

• Residential Properties: $50 per violation per day
• Commercial Properties: $100 per violation per day
• Depositing Snow on Streets: $100 per occurrence

Each day of non-compliance constitutes a separate violation and may result in cumulative fines.

Malden Inspectional Services Department
215 Pleasant Street, 3rd Floor, Malden, MA 02148
Phone: (781) 397-7000 ext. 2030
Official Website: Malden Inspectional Services

Malden Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Snow removal poses unique challenges across Malden’s diverse neighborhoods. Varying topography, building types, infrastructure limitations, and population demographics can affect both compliance and safety. Complaint data submitted through the Malden 311 system frequently highlights issues specific to each district.

• Edgeworth: Dense triple-decker housing and narrow streets create significant access and parking challenges during snow accumulation.
• Maplewood: Rolling terrain and steep hills increase the risk of ice build-up and make sidewalk clearing more arduous, especially for elderly residents.
• Faulkner / Bellrock: Historic infrastructure and high parking demand complicate plowing operations and snow storage.
• West End: Areas with single-family homes and wider lots may experience snow banks blocking driveways due to municipal plow activity.
• Downtown Malden: Commercial density, bus stops, and high pedestrian traffic necessitate rapid snow removal and frequent complaint reports about icy sidewalks.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Malden Department of Public Works is responsible for clearing approximately 120 lane miles of public roads throughout the city. Plowing operations are prioritized on main thoroughfares, emergency access routes, and arterial streets to facilitate emergency response and public transit. The city is divided into multiple plow routes to ensure efficient coverage, with side streets and residential areas addressed following initial emergency clearance.

Malden Office of Emergency Management
356 Commercial Street, Malden, MA 02148
Phone: (781) 397-7000 ext. 2107
Official Website: Malden Emergency Management

• Plow Coordination: Snow pushed by plows may block driveway entrances; property owners should plan for secondary clearing.
• Side Street Scheduling: Monitor the city website and alert systems for updates on when residential streets are scheduled for plowing.
• Snow Emergencies: Stay informed about snow emergency declarations which affect parking and plowing schedules.
• Contractor Coordination: Private contractors must align with municipal protocols to avoid obstructing public ways.

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

Malden enforces city-wide snow emergency parking bans during declared storms. When a snow emergency is in effect, parking is prohibited on designated emergency routes to allow for unobstructed plowing. Vehicles parked in violation of a snow emergency may be towed at the owner’s expense, with towing fees and fines assessed according to city policy. Residents are notified through the city’s reverse 911 system, website, social media, and local news outlets. Alternative parking locations are provided at municipal lots and schools during emergencies.

Malden does not officially permit space savers for parking following snow removal. Any items left in the street to “reserve” cleared spaces are subject to removal by the Department of Public Works. For complete parking ban details, see the city’s Public Works parking information page.

• Emergency Routes: Clearly marked with signage; parking bans apply for the duration of the declared emergency.
• Towing: Immediate towing of vehicles in violation; owners responsible for all associated costs.
• Resident Alerts: City issues notifications via multiple channels; residents are encouraged to sign up for alerts.
• Alternative Parking: Available at specified municipal locations during declared emergencies.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

Malden provides a 311 reporting system for residents to file snow and ice removal complaints. Reports can be submitted by phone (dial 311 within Malden or (781) 397-7000), online via the Malden 311 portal, or through the mobile app “Commonwealth Connect.” Residents should include the exact address and nature of the violation. For accessibility concerns, reports may be filed with the Malden ADA Coordinator or directly with the Massachusetts Office on Disability.

• Phone: 311 or (781) 397-7000
• Online: Malden 311 website
• Mobile App: Commonwealth Connect (available for iOS and Android)
• Email: Contact the Malden ADA Coordinator via the city’s official website

MA Office on Disability
One Ashburton Place, Room 1305, Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 727-7440 | TTY: (800) 322-2020
Official Website: Mass Office on Disability

Premises Liability Protection Under MA Law

Property owners in Malden are legally obligated to exercise reasonable care in removing snow and ice from all areas accessible to pedestrians. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court’s decision in Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010) abolished the distinction between natural and artificial accumulations, holding all property owners to a uniform standard of care. Liability extends to sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, stairways, and building entrances. Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15, owners are liable for injuries resulting from dangerous snow and ice conditions on their premises. In the event of a slip-and-fall injury, claimants must provide written notice to the property owner or city within 30 days as per Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Sections 18-20.

• Reasonable Care: Required for all walkways, entrances, stairs, and parking areas
• Legal Liability: Applies to both commercial and residential property owners
• Notice Requirement: Written notice of injury claims must be submitted within 30 days

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Malden

Edgeworth: Characterized by high-density triple-deckers and narrow one-way streets, Edgeworth faces substantial snow storage and access issues. Residential driveways are often limited, and parking constraints require prompt and coordinated snow removal to maintain pedestrian and vehicle passage.

Maplewood: Featuring a mix of single-family homes and multifamily units on hilly terrain, Maplewood presents challenges with ice accumulation on steep sidewalks and intersections. The neighborhood’s residential density and school proximity demand careful attention to sidewalk clearance and crosswalk safety.

Faulkner / Bellrock: As one of Malden’s oldest neighborhoods, Faulkner is marked by historic homes, mature trees, and closely set buildings. Narrow streets, limited parking, and aging infrastructure necessitate strategic snow management and timely service coordination.

West End: This area features larger lots and wider roads, but the prevalence of driveways means municipal plows may leave snow banks requiring resident clearing. Its lower density allows for more efficient plowing but still presents challenges with curb cuts and access ramps.

Downtown Malden: The city’s commercial and civic hub is densely built, with high-rise apartments, office buildings, and heavy pedestrian traffic. Prompt and continuous snow removal is essential to maintain accessibility for businesses, transit users, and civic facilities.

Linden: With a mix of apartment complexes, single-family homes, and major retail corridors, Linden’s wider roads and commercial lots require coordinated municipal and private snow clearing to prevent hazardous accumulations and maintain access to shopping centers.

Forestdale: Predominantly residential with tree-lined streets and parks, Forestdale’s winding roads and cul-de-sacs can complicate plow routes, while school zones require extra focus on crosswalk and sidewalk safety.

Oak Grove: Proximity to the MBTA station and commuter parking lots make Oak Grove a high-priority area for snow clearance. Mixed-use zoning demands close coordination between city crews and private property owners to keep walkways and transit access clear.

Ferryway: Known for its diverse housing stock and institutional facilities, Ferryway includes schools, houses of worship, and small businesses. Snow management must account for high pedestrian activity and the need for accessible curb ramps and bus stops.

Copperwood: A newer residential area with cul-de-sacs and townhomes, Copperwood requires special attention to ensure snow is not piled in ways that block emergency vehicle access or create visibility hazards at intersections.

Highland Park: Elevated terrain and a blend of historic and modern residences create unique snow removal logistics, particularly on sloped streets and near parks or playgrounds where children frequently travel.

Belmont Hill: Belmont Hill’s steep streets and older homes with limited off-street parking increase the need for timely and coordinated snow removal efforts, especially to support elderly residents and maintain safe passage for schoolchildren.