Professional Snow Removal Services in Raynham, MA

Raynham Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow removal is a critical legal responsibility for all property owners and occupants in Raynham, MA. Municipal ordinances and enforcement protocols establish strict guidelines regarding the prompt and thorough removal of snow and ice from sidewalks, driveways, and adjacent public ways. Compliance with these standards is essential to maintain public safety, ensure accessibility, and avoid substantial penalties associated with non-compliance.

Enforcement of Raynham’s snow removal regulations is managed by designated town departments, with clear expectations for minimum clearance widths, removal timeframes, and the prohibition of snow deposition onto public streets. Property owners are subject to routine inspection and fines for violations.

Raynham Department of Public Works
220 Paramount Drive, Raynham, MA 02767
Phone: (508) 824-2718
Official Website: Raynham Department of Public Works

Understanding Raynham's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

Raynham enforces local ordinances that require property owners to clear sidewalks within 24 hours after the cessation of snowfall. The town’s municipal code specifies that snow and ice must be removed to a minimum width of 36 inches to allow safe pedestrian passage. Overnight snowfall provisions allow for clearing by noon the following day if the storm ends overnight. Property owners must treat icy surfaces with sand or other traction materials and are expressly prohibited from depositing snow onto any public street or sidewalk.

Massachusetts state law provides additional legal authority and guidance, including Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5 regarding municipal snow removal authority. The complete text of Raynham’s snow removal ordinances can be found on the Raynham General Bylaws website.

• Clearing Deadline: Sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours after snowfall ends.
• Overnight Snowfall: If snow ends overnight, sidewalks must be cleared by 12:00 PM the following day.
• Minimum Path Width: A minimum 36-inch clear path must be maintained on all sidewalks.
• Ice Treatment: All icy areas must be treated with sand or other suitable material.
• Street Deposition Prohibited: It is illegal to move snow from private property onto public streets.

Raynham Inspectional Services
558 South Main Street, Raynham, MA 02767
Phone: (508) 824-2766
Official Website: Raynham Inspectional Services

Failure to comply with snow removal regulations may result in the following fines:

• Residential properties: $25 per day of violation
• Commercial properties: $50 per day of violation
• Depositing snow onto street: $100 per occurrence

Each day a violation continues is considered a separate offense.

Raynham Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Raynham includes several distinct neighborhoods, each presenting unique snow removal challenges due to variations in terrain, building types, and infrastructure. The town does not currently utilize a 311 system, but complaints regarding snow removal are commonly concentrated in specific areas as reported to municipal offices.

• Raynham Center: Dense residential blocks, narrow older streets, and a mix of single-family and duplex homes create limited snow storage capacity and restricted plow access.
• North Raynham (Bassett Knoll): Hilly terrain increases ice hazards, and wide frontage lots can lead to wind-driven drift accumulation on sidewalks.
• South Raynham (Britton's Corner): High concentration of commercial properties and large parking lots require coordination between businesses and municipal plows.
• Raynham Woods: Suburban design with cul-de-sacs and limited through-streets complicates plow routing and snow pile placement.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Raynham Department of Public Works manages the town’s snow removal operations, maintaining a fleet of plow trucks and covering approximately 80 lane miles of public roadway. Snow removal is prioritized on arterial and emergency access routes, with secondary focus on residential side streets and school zones. Plowing operations are typically divided into at least 8 major routes for efficient coverage.

Raynham Office of Emergency Management
37 Orchard Street, Raynham, MA 02767
Phone: (508) 824-2716
Official Website: Raynham Emergency Management

• Plow Operations: Municipal plows may leave windrows across driveways; property owners should coordinate private clearing accordingly.
• Side Street Schedules: Residents should monitor town notifications for projected plow timing on secondary roads.
• Snow Emergency Declarations: Always monitor official channels for emergency snow alerts and parking bans.
• Contractor Coordination: Businesses should align private snow removal schedules with municipal operations to avoid conflicts.

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

Raynham enforces town-wide snow emergency parking bans during declared storms. No vehicles may be parked on any public roadway during these periods, and violators are subject to towing and fines. There is currently no allowance for space savers in Raynham, and any objects placed on public ways to reserve a parking space are subject to immediate removal by town staff.

• Designated Emergency Routes: Major thoroughfares and school access roads are prioritized for plowing and must be kept clear of parked vehicles.
• Towing and Fees: Vehicles parked in violation of the ban are towed at the owner’s expense, typically $100 plus storage fees.
• Resident Notifications: Town notifications are issued via the official website, social media, and local news outlets.
• Alternative Parking: Residents are encouraged to use private driveways or designated municipal lots during snow emergencies.

The full parking ban policy is described in the Raynham Town Bylaws.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

Raynham does not utilize a formal 311 or SeeClickFix system. All snow removal complaints, including accessibility barriers and uncleared sidewalks, should be directed to the Department of Public Works or Inspectional Services by phone or through the official town website’s contact forms. Residents may also report violations via email as provided on department pages.

• Public Works Phone: (508) 824-2718
• Inspectional Services Phone: (508) 824-2766
• Website Contact: Raynham Contact Form
• Email: See department directory for current addresses.

Accessibility-related snow removal barriers may be reported to the Massachusetts Office on Disability:

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

Following the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court’s decision in Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010), property owners in Raynham are legally required to maintain all walking surfaces free of dangerous snow and ice accumulations. This duty applies regardless of whether the hazard is deemed natural or artificial. Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15, owners may be held liable for injuries resulting from unsafe conditions on sidewalks, parking areas, entrances, and stairways.

Injury claims related to snow or ice require written notice to the town within 30 days in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Sections 18-20. Failing to provide timely notice may affect the ability to recover damages after an injury.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Raynham

Raynham Center: The historic and civic heart of Raynham features traditional New England homes, municipal buildings, and older infrastructure. Narrow streets and high pedestrian activity present ongoing challenges for snow removal and require early morning service to support school and business operations.

North Raynham (Bassett Knoll): Characterized by newer single-family subdivisions with hilly terrain, this area experiences frequent drifting and ice accumulation. Winding roads and limited on-street parking increase the complexity of plowing and sidewalk clearance.

South Raynham (Britton's Corner): A commercial and retail corridor intersected by Route 44, this district includes large parking lots, shopping centers, and multi-unit housing. High traffic volumes and large paved areas necessitate extensive coordination between private and public snow removal contractors.

Raynham Woods: A planned residential neighborhood with cul-de-sacs and dense tree cover, Raynham Woods faces logistical issues for snow storage and requires multiple equipment passes for full clearance.

Forge River Estates: A mix of townhomes and single-family dwellings located along curvilinear streets, Forge River Estates requires special attention to sidewalk connectivity and accessible bus stops for residents.

Mill Street Corridor: This area’s industrial and light commercial properties have large driveways and loading docks, which must be kept clear for deliveries and employee access throughout snow events.

Judson Heights: A higher-density residential area near Raynham Middle School, Judson Heights features apartment complexes and senior housing, requiring additional focus on walkways and ADA compliance.

South Street East: Featuring a blend of older homes and newer subdivisions, this corridor has variable street widths and frequent driveways, requiring coordinated plow timing and resident awareness.

Prospect Hill: Home to some of Raynham’s oldest residences and steeply graded roads, Prospect Hill presents unique risks for ice formation and requires frequent monitoring throughout winter storms.

Hewitt’s Pond Area: This neighborhood abuts conservation land and wetlands, with limited road access and challenging snow melt patterns that require tailored removal strategies.

Raynham Park District: Dominated by the Raynham Park complex and adjacent commercial properties, this district demands rapid snow removal to maintain event access and support visitor safety.

Maple Street Neighborhood: Composed of classic New England homes and mature tree canopy, Maple Street requires particular attention to overhead branches and sidewalk access points, especially near schools.