Bridgewater Commercial Snow Removal Services

Bridgewater Commercial Snow Plowing & Parking Lot Clearing Services

Commercial properties in Bridgewater, MA operate under stricter enforcement protocols for snow and ice removal than residential buildings. The Town of Bridgewater’s snow removal ordinance (Public Ways Snow and Ice Removal Ordinance) imposes commercial fines of $200 per violation for failure to remove snow and ice from sidewalks and access routes. In addition to local regulations, the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires businesses to maintain accessible parking spaces, curb ramps, building entrances, and pedestrian routes free of snow and ice throughout the winter months. This page details commercial property obligations, regulatory requirements, and compliance standards for Bridgewater business owners.

Bridgewater Inspectional Services Department
66 Central Square, Bridgewater, MA 02324
Phone: (508) 697-0900
Official Website: Bridgewater Inspectional Services Department

Bridgewater Commercial Property Snow Removal Fines and Enhanced Penalties

Bridgewater enforces commercial snow removal through systematic citation procedures with penalties that are substantially higher than those for residential properties. These elevated fines reflect the heightened public safety risk when businesses fail to keep walkways, parking lots, and entrances accessible for customers and employees.

• All commercial properties: $200 per violation for sidewalk clearing failures
• Each day of non-compliance: Separate violation with an additional $200 fine assessed daily
• Depositing snow on streets: $200 per occurrence, with further penalties depending on the volume and impact
• Repeat violations: Escalating enforcement including potential business operating restrictions or hearings

Violations that trigger commercial penalties include:

• Failing to clear sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall cessation
• Ice-covered accessible parking spaces and access aisles
• Blocked curb ramps preventing wheelchair access
• Obstructed building entrances and emergency egresses
• Snow piles blocking accessible routes between parking and entrances
• Depositing snow onto public streets or adjacent properties

Important: Each separate violation—such as a blocked entrance, uncleared parking lot, or icy sidewalk—constitutes an independent fine. Multi-building commercial complexes can accumulate substantial penalties following a single storm if snow removal is inadequate across multiple access points.

Fire and Life Safety Access Requirements for Commercial Properties

The Bridgewater Fire Department, together with the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, requires commercial properties to maintain emergency vehicle access and life safety egress during all winter weather conditions. These obligations are critical for both pedestrian and emergency responder safety, directly affecting the ability of fire, EMS, and police to respond to life-threatening incidents.

Bridgewater Fire Department
22 School Street, Bridgewater, MA 02324
Phone: (508) 697-0900
Official Website: Bridgewater Fire Department

Massachusetts Department of Fire Services
PO Box 1025, State Road, Stow, MA 01775
Phone: (978) 567-3100
Official Website: Mass Fire Services

• Fire Lane Maintenance:
  • Clear all designated fire lanes to bare pavement in commercial parking lots
  • Maintain a minimum 20-foot width for emergency vehicle access
  • Remove snow piles that reduce fire lane clearance below requirements
  • Keep fire lane markings visible; repaint if needed after snow season
  • Ensure fire lane signage is visible above snow accumulation
• Fire Hydrant Access:
  • Clear a three-foot radius around all hydrants immediately after snowfall
  • Maintain clear sight lines so hydrants remain visible from the street
  • Remove ice from hydrant caps and mechanisms
  • Mark hydrants with flags if buried by snow
  • Coordinate with Bridgewater Water Department for hydrant functionality
• Emergency Vehicle Access Standards:
  • Minimum 20-foot width for fire apparatus and ambulances
  • Vertical clearance of at least 13 feet 6 inches for ladder trucks
  • Adequate turning radius for emergency vehicles
  • Surface conditions treated for traction
  • Aerial ladder access within 15 feet of building structures

The Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR) requires that commercial properties maintain unobstructed emergency egresses at all times. Emergency egress priorities include:

• All marked emergency exits cleared and operational
• Exterior fire escapes and stairs free of snow and ice
• Accessible and clearly marked emergency assembly areas
• Panic hardware and exit doors fully functional
• Exit pathway lighting operational and snow-free

Federal ADA Title III Compliance for Commercial Snow Removal

The Americans with Disabilities Act Title III imposes federal accessibility requirements on all businesses and public accommodations. Businesses must maintain accessible features in operational condition at all times, regardless of weather, creating dual compliance with both federal law and municipal snow removal ordinances. Failure to comply can trigger federal enforcement and liability exposure under the ADA.

U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20530
Phone: (800) 514-0301
Official Website: ADA Title III Information

• Accessible parking spaces: Must remain cleared to pavement, including access aisles
• Curb ramps: Cannot be blocked by snow or ice
• Building entrances: Primary and accessible entrances must have barrier-free access
• Pedestrian routes: Minimum 36-inch wide pathways from parking to entrances
• Loading zones: Accessible loading areas for deliveries and service vehicles
• Outdoor amenities: Routes to ATMs, outdoor seating, and customer service areas must be accessible

Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (MAAB)
One Ashburton Place, Room 1310, Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 727-0660
Official Website: MAAB Regulations

The Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (MAAB) enforces state accessibility standards that, in some cases, exceed federal minimums. Under 521 CMR, businesses must keep accessible features fully operational at all times, regardless of snowfall or ice conditions.

Commercial Parking Lot Snow Management and Operational Requirements

Commercial parking facilities in Bridgewater require comprehensive snow management that extends beyond basic plowing. Required operational practices include maintaining accessible parking, managing traffic flow, planning snow storage, and coordinating with business operating hours to guarantee uninterrupted customer and employee access during and after winter storms.

• Fire lanes and emergency access: Cleared first and kept open at all times
• Accessible parking spaces: ADA spaces and access aisles cleared immediately after fire lanes
• Primary traffic lanes: Main circulation routes cleared to support customer access
• Secondary parking areas: Cleared as needed based on capacity and operational needs
• Loading docks: Maintained for uninterrupted commercial deliveries

Bridgewater Code Enforcement Contact
Phone: (508) 697-0926
Report online: Bridgewater 311 System or equivalent

Business Liability Protection and Premises Insurance Requirements

Commercial property owners in Bridgewater face substantial premises liability exposure if inadequate snow and ice removal results in slip-and-fall incidents involving customers, employees, delivery personnel, or other invitees. Under Massachusetts law, specifically Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010), property owners must exercise reasonable care in maintaining safe conditions, regardless of whether snow accumulation is natural or the result of plowing.

• General liability insurance: Minimum $1–2 million coverage for slip-and-fall incidents
• Commercial property insurance: Protection against building and parking lot damage from plowing equipment
• Workers’ compensation: Required for employees involved in snow removal activities
• Umbrella coverage: Additional liability protection over primary policy limits

Commercial Districts Throughout Bridgewater Requiring Specialized Service

Our commercial snow plowing services extend throughout Bridgewater's diverse business districts, addressing unique operational requirements, accessibility standards, and customer access priorities specific to different commercial property types.

Bridgewater Center/Downtown District: Encompassing government buildings, professional offices, and local retail, this area faces high pedestrian traffic and limited snow storage. Continuous sidewalk and crosswalk clearing is necessary to maintain business and municipal operations.

Broad Street Retail Corridor: Home to national retailers, restaurants, and service businesses with expansive parking lots and multiple entrances. Coordination with extended business hours and high customer volume demands rapid snow and ice management for both vehicle and pedestrian routes.

Bridgewater Industrial Park: Features manufacturing facilities and warehouses with large loading zones and heavy truck movement. Snow removal strategies must prioritize access for commercial vehicles, clear loading docks, and provide space for snow storage away from key operational areas.

Medical and Wellness District (including Route 18 clinics): Medical offices, urgent care centers, and specialty clinics require immediate access for patients, staff, and emergency services. Accessible parking and barrier-free entrances are top priorities, with enhanced standards for patient safety.

Bridgewater State University Commercial Zone: Surrounding the university campus, this mixed-use area includes student housing, restaurants, and small businesses, often with shared parking and higher pedestrian activity. Timely snow removal is essential to maintain safe routes between academic buildings, residences, and businesses.

Elm Street Neighborhood Business District: Small, locally-owned businesses in mixed-use and standalone buildings face unique challenges with narrow lots and limited on-site snow storage. Business continuity depends on rapid sidewalk and parking access clearing, particularly during peak hours.

Bedford Street Commercial Strip: This stretch features auto dealerships, service centers, and retail businesses with large frontage and multiple access points. Snow management must address expansive lots, customer vehicle movement, and clear visibility of entrances and signage.

Historic District Properties: Businesses located in Bridgewater’s historic areas must balance snow removal with preservation standards. Special care is required to avoid damage to historic structures and streetscapes, while maintaining safe access for customers and emergency responders.