After two years, a Town Meeting approval and a “yes” vote on a local ballot question, 13 neighborhoods on private roads will get those roads plowed by the town this winter.

Town Administrator Paul Dawson told Selectmen Tuesday that those neighborhoods met five criteria, established in September, to be eligible for plowing by Department of Public Works crews.

Previously, those living on private roads were responsible for their own snow removal.

In May, voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot question to allow the town to spend money to plow private roads.

Those advocating for the change said ensuring emergency vehicles had clear passage during storms was a major concern.

In addition to meeting other criteria, private roads plowed by the town must be open to public use.

Residents on Card Drive and Old Indian Trail were denied their requests because there isn’t enough space for snowplows to turn around. Three others were turned down due to zoning problems.

Dawson said Ladyslipper Lane, Rebecca Drive and Wildflower Lane will not be plowed because they are not right of ways and criss cross several private properties.

In the case of Rebecca Drive, Dawson said, “Technically it’s a driveway…After discussing this with counsel, it’s a gray area, it’s very gray with insurance and liability implications.”

“That opens up a whole different can of worms,” Selectmen Chair Stephen Cushing said.

Residents on private roads must ask the town if they want private plowing.

For the safety of Department of Public Works crews and equipment, private roads must meet five criteria:

All speed bumps must have been removed. Dawson said the bumps have the potential to damage snowplows. Obstacles from roads, such as bike racks, brush, basketball nets and more, must also be removed.

Potholes are another hazard that had to be filled before plows will be allowed on private roads.

Tree branches hanging 15 feet or less over streets must be trimmed.

The fifth rule requires that there is enough room for the trucks to turn around.

Residents on private roads had until Nov. 1 to meet the criteria.

Last year, the first plowable snow fell on Nov. 2, DPW Superintendent Rob Zora said. Dawson said private streets will be inspected yearly by the DPW to ensure the criteria continues to be met.

With the additional plowing responsibilities, Dawson said he didn’t expect the snow removal budget to grow significantly.

“There were a number of neighborhoods that could have applied but didn’t. I don’t think we’ll see a significant increase,” he said.

Dawson said a comprehensive list of the roads that will receive public plowing will be posted to the town’s website (www.marionma.gov.) in the next few days.