HOAs & property types

Does the town have to plow private HOA roads in New Jersey?

Often, yes. New Jersey's Municipal Services Act requires a town to either plow the roads of a qualified private community the same way it plows public roads, or reimburse the association for doing it.

The roads have to qualify. The law does not require it for roads that do not meet the town's standards for public roads, except for width, and the details and the reimbursement amount vary by town.

Many associations never claim it. If your community pays a contractor to plow its roads, ask the town whether you are receiving what the law provides, or ask your association attorney.

The Act covers roads. Walkways, stairs and parking areas remain the association's to clear.

More: Snow service for HOAs

Does JRW Services plow residential driveways?

No. We work for commercial properties and serve residential communities through their HOAs or management companies, not individual homes.

That covers property managers, HOAs, retail, office, industrial, medical, schools and multifamily properties across Sussex, Passaic, Bergen, Morris and Warren counties.

More: Who we serve

What should an HOA snow removal contract include?

The areas covered (roads, walks, stairs, mailbox clusters), the trigger depth for each, clear-by times, whether salting is included, how service is documented, and what happens with piles in a heavy winter.

Boards should also check insurance certificates, the term and renewal dates, and whether the contract is seasonal or per event, because that decides whether a big winter becomes a special assessment.

More: HOA board guide to snow contracts · Snow removal RFP template

What's different about snow removal for medical offices?

Earlier clear-by times and more walkway attention. Many patients arrive with limited mobility, so entrances, ramps, drop-off lanes and ADA routes need to be clear and treated before the first appointment, and often kept clear during the storm.

Sites open around the clock need service during a storm rather than only after it. Those details go in the site plan and the contract.

More: Snow service for medical sites

What do retail centers need from a snow contractor?

Lots and walks clear before stores open, with snow piles placed where they do not take the parking closest to the doors. Retail sites also need entrances treated through the day, because foot traffic is highest while it is still icy.

Multi-tenant centers should settle in the lease and the contract who calls for extra service, and which tenant hours set the clear-by time.

More: Snow service for retail