Professional Snow Removal Services in Hull, MA

Hull Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow and ice management is a critical legal responsibility for all property owners in Hull, MA. Municipal ordinances establish strict protocols for snow removal, specifying precise timeframes, clearance standards, and a penalty structure to ensure safe and accessible walkways throughout the winter months. Compliance with these regulations is essential for public safety, accessibility, and to avoid fines or legal liability under both local and state law.

For questions or to coordinate with municipal snow operations, contact:

Hull Department of Public Works
9 Nantasket Avenue, Hull, MA 02045
Phone: (781) 925-0900
Official Website: Hull Department of Public Works

Understanding Hull's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

Hull enforces local snow removal ordinances for all property owners, in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5, which grants municipalities snow removal authority. According to the Hull General Bylaws, Section 8-101, occupants and owners of properties abutting public sidewalks must remove snow and ice from the sidewalk within 12 hours after snow ceases to fall during the day, or before noon if snow has fallen overnight. The minimum accessible path must be at least 36 inches wide, and, when removal is impractical, the area must be treated with sand or other suitable material to prevent slipping. It is strictly prohibited to deposit snow onto public streets or roadways.

• Timeframe for Clearing: Within 12 hours after the cessation of snow during the daytime, or by noon after overnight snowfall.
• Minimum Path Width: At least 36 inches of sidewalk must be cleared for pedestrian passage.
• Ice Removal: If ice cannot be removed, it must be treated with sand or similar material for traction.
• Street Deposition: No snow or ice may be shoveled, thrown, or deposited onto public streets, sidewalks, or ways.

Contact for ordinance enforcement and code compliance:

Hull Inspectional Services / Code Enforcement
253 Atlantic Avenue, Hull, MA 02045
Phone: (781) 925-1330
Official Website: Hull Building Department

• Non-Compliance Fines: As of the current bylaw, fines for failure to clear sidewalks are $50 per day for residential properties and $100 per day for commercial properties. Depositing snow or ice onto public streets may incur additional fines of $100 per offense. Each day of violation is considered a separate offense and subject to further penalties.

Hull Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Hull’s diverse neighborhoods present unique snow removal challenges due to variations in topography, infrastructure, and property types. The following areas are notable for their specific winter weather management concerns:

• Nantasket Beach: High pedestrian activity, dense beachfront housing, and exposure to coastal winds result in frequent snow drifting and icy sidewalks.
• Sunset Point: Narrow, winding streets with limited off-street parking complicate plowing and sidewalk clearance.
• Hull Village: Historic district with mature trees, older homes, and limited sidewalk width; steep slopes increase the risk of icy conditions.
• Kennedy Park Area: Concentration of multi-family homes and senior residences increases the need for accessible, well-cleared walkways.
• Atlantic Hill: Steep inclines and high-density residential complexes require coordinated efforts to maintain safe access for both vehicles and pedestrians.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Hull Department of Public Works manages municipal snow removal with a dedicated fleet covering approximately 40 lane miles of roadway. Snow operations are divided into multiple plowing routes, with priority given to arterial roads, emergency access routes, and school zones. Coordination between property owners and municipal crews is essential to maintain safe passage throughout Hull.

Hull Office of Emergency Management
273 Atlantic Avenue, Hull, MA 02045
Phone: (781) 925-1717
Official Website: Hull Emergency Management

• Plow Deposits: Municipal plows may deposit snow across driveway openings; residents are responsible for clearing access points after plowing.
• Side Street Plowing: Secondary streets are cleared following completion of main routes; delays may occur during severe storms.
• Snow Emergency Declarations: Monitor official town alerts for snow emergencies that may affect parking, travel, and removal requirements.
• Contractor Coordination: Property owners employing private contractors should ensure snow is not pushed onto public rights-of-way and that municipal plow routes remain unobstructed.

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

Hull enforces snow emergency parking bans on designated streets as announced by the Department of Public Works and Emergency Management. During snow emergencies, parking is prohibited on specified routes to ensure safe and efficient plowing. Towed vehicles are subject to fees and must be recovered from designated lots. Residents are notified of parking bans and alternative parking options via the town website, email alerts, and local broadcasts. Hull does not permit the use of space savers to hold on-street parking spaces after snow events. All parking regulations revert to standard enforcement once the emergency declaration ends and streets are cleared.

For more information on snow emergency parking procedures, consult the Hull DPW Snow Removal Guidelines.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

Hull does not maintain a 311 system, but residents can report snow removal violations or hazardous conditions directly through the municipal website or by calling the Department of Public Works. Complaints may also be submitted via email using contacts listed on the town's official website. Accessibility violations impacting persons with disabilities should be reported to the Massachusetts Office on Disability for further action.

• To report snow removal violations:
  • Call the Hull DPW at (781) 925-0900
  • Submit online via town complaint form
  • Email the DPW: dpw@town.hull.ma.us
• Accessibility Violations:
  • Contact 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

Massachusetts law, as clarified by the decision in Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010), holds that all property owners must exercise reasonable care to protect lawful visitors from snow and ice hazards—regardless of whether the accumulation is natural or artificial. The duty of care extends beyond sidewalks to include parking lots, entrances, stairways, and other areas open to the public. Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15, property owners may be held liable for injuries caused by unsafe conditions, and must provide a safe means of access after storms. Injury claims related to snow or ice must be filed within 30 days in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Sections 18-20.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Hull

Nantasket Beach: This area features a mix of seasonal cottages, mid-rise condos, and small businesses along the beachfront. Its high pedestrian traffic, coastal exposure, and narrow beach-access roads present significant challenges for snow removal and sidewalk clearance, especially during storms with high winds and drifting.

Hull Village: Known for its historic homes and winding streets, Hull Village requires careful snow management due to older infrastructure, steep grades, and limited sidewalk widths. Preservation of historic character and access to institutional sites are key considerations for winter weather services.

Sunset Point: A dense residential neighborhood with limited off-street parking, Sunset Point’s narrow streets can be difficult for plow equipment, and overnight parking bans are often necessary to facilitate effective snow clearing. The area is home to both single-family and multi-family residences, increasing the demand for coordinated sidewalk and curb clearing.

Atlantic Hill: Characterized by steep hills and large condominium complexes, Atlantic Hill faces unique access challenges during snow events. Efficient plowing and timely clearing of driveways and entranceways are required to ensure safe passage for residents and emergency vehicles.

Kennedy Park Area: With several senior housing facilities and community centers, this district prioritizes accessible, well-maintained pedestrian paths. The area also features low-rise apartment blocks and single-family homes, requiring a mix of plowing and hand-shoveling to maintain compliance.

Allerton: Located at the northern tip of Hull, Allerton’s older homes, narrow lanes, and proximity to the water make snow drifting and icing frequent concerns. Historic preservation efforts and unique street layouts necessitate attentive, nuanced snow management approaches.

Green Hill: This primarily residential neighborhood is defined by moderate slopes and cul-de-sacs. It contains both newer homes and established properties, necessitating careful planning to ensure timely snow and ice removal from both public and private thoroughfares.

Edgewater: Bordered by water on multiple sides, Edgewater’s exposure to wind-driven snow creates additional snow accumulation and icing challenges. Many homes are situated close to the road, requiring precise plow operation to avoid property damage while maintaining accessibility.

Gunrock: This coastal district features a blend of cottages and year-round homes, with a street grid subject to flooding and icing. Seasonal population fluctuations and narrow streets require adaptive snow removal schedules and coordination with residents.

Bay Street Area: With a mix of commercial spots and residential properties, Bay Street demands prompt clearing to support business operations and maintain safe pedestrian access to local shops and transit stops. Parking constraints and high turnover necessitate efficient, ongoing snow management efforts.

Sagamore Hill: Elevated terrain and winding drives typify Sagamore Hill, where steep slopes increase the risk of hazardous conditions. The neighborhood’s blend of single-family homes and small apartment buildings makes coordinated response essential for effective snow removal.

Clarendon Hill: Featuring a combination of single-family and two-family homes, Clarendon Hill’s moderate slopes and interconnected streets require a consistent plowing and sand application strategy to maintain access throughout winter storms.