Winter Guide

The DPW removes snow and ice from over 250 lane miles of roadway, 47 miles of sidewalk, 26 school and municipal properties, 15 public parking lots, and 33 public parks and paths.

Major arterial roadways, hills and intersections are often treated before plow operations commence, usually after 2” of snow has fallen. Snow plowing operations remain underway until all roadways are cleared adequately for the safety of the traveling public.

New England winters often bring extreme cold, heavy snow, ice, and sleet, and can pose serious hazards. Every storm develops differently depending on temperature, wind, moisture content, snow accumulation per hour and duration.

Immediately after a storm, snow banks are pushed back to the curb line, and in some cases removed, in order to provide for adequate storage space for future storms. Please consider this timetable when clearing your driveway, front walkway, and sidewalks, so that you may not be disappointed when a snowplow passes by after the snow has stopped falling. Please be considerate of the huge responsibility that DPW employees have before, during and after each storm.

Snow and Ice removal is one of the key responsibilities of Brookline's Department of Public Works. There are many elements to take into account during the winter, especially when it comes to complying with town policies regarding winter protocol. Below you will find information on how to properly understand winter policies:

Check out our Winter Brochure (PDF) to stay informed on protocols and best practices. DPW ensures the safety of Brookline residents during the winter season.

Stay Informed

Brookline DPW is also on Social Media! Follow us on the Public Works Department's Facebook
Our Transportation Division’s Twitter
or our Parks and Open Spaces Division’s Instagram

Winter Parking

During snowstorms, the Town removes snow and ice from roadways as efficiently and effectively as possible while keeping the roads open and essential traffic moving safely. For municipal crews to accomplish this goal community cooperation is required.

During a declared snow emergency/parking ban, there is NO on-street parking in the Town of Brookline. This includes all parking meters regardless of Town issued permits or handicap placards or plates. All unauthorized vehicles remaining on the street or in the public lots will be issued citations and towed by the Brookline Police Department.

Residents with permits to park overnight in Town-owned lots are not required to move their vehicles until 9am after the parking ban is lifted.

As always, there is no overnight parking on the streets of Brookline.

It's the Law

Brookline's bylaws require property owners to "maintain sidewalks contiguous to their property in a non-slippery condition suitable for pedestrian travel by clearing all snow and ice from a pathway of at least thirty-six (36) inches in width.

The cleared walk must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, including the removal of snow and ice from any adjoining wheelchair ramps or curb cuts. Please help all members of our community move safely through our town.

Single-family and multi-family residences (4 families/units or less) must comply with this bylaw within 30 hours of a storm's end.

Commercial properties and multi-family residences (5 families/units or more) must comply within 3 hours of a storm's end or within 3 hours after sunrise if the storm ends after dusk.

The storm's end time will be posted on our Brookline Town Website to help residents know by what time they must comply with the bylaw.

If a property owner does not clear the side walk(s) contiguous to their property, notice will be given to the owner. If you fail to comply with the Town's sidewalk bylaw, you could be issued fines ranging from $100-250 per day.

Have You Shoveled?

Immediately after a storm, DPW pushes snow banks back to the curb line in order to provide for adequate storage space for future storms. Please consider this timetable when you open your driveways or clear your front walkways and sidewalks so that you may not be disappointed when a snowplow passes by after the snow has stopped falling.

If you own a property or business, please remember to do the following:

Maintain all sidewalks abutting your property or business in a non-slippery condition free of ice and snow.
If you are out of town, or are unable to clear ice and snow due to physical limitations, please be sure to have someone else prepared to maintain the sidewalk for you.
Clear openings at intersections and crosswalks so pedestrians can cross safely.
Always have a supply of ice-melt (CaCl2 or KCL) on hand and apply frequently after a storm and during the winter season to prevent snow from packing down and forming ice.
Whenever possible, please help to assist your Public Safety Departments by clearing catch basins and snow covered fire hydrants adjacent to your property. Remember, every second counts during an emergency.

Snow Removal Tips

If physically limited or out of town, it is still the property owner’s responsibility to make arrangements to clear the sidewalk.

Clear openings at intersections and crosswalks so pedestrians can cross safely.
Apply ice-melt (CaCl2 or KCL) frequently to prevent snow from packing down and forming ice.
Help the Public Safety Department by clearing catch basins and snow covered fire hydrants adjacent to your property.

Winter Trash & Recycling

To keep your trash and recycling service running smoothly during the snow season, follow these simple rules:

Shovel a path for your trash and recycling cart.
Keep these containers off patches of ice for safety.
Make sure trash and recycling carts are clear of snow.
Put your trash and recycling carts as close to the street as possible – not behind snow banks. Trash and recycling carts will not be picked up behind snow banks!
Leave a 12" space on either side of your trash and recycling carts, allowing easy access by trucks with automated arms.