Boston Residential Snow Plowing Services

Boston Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law establishes the fundamental framework for residential snow removal responsibilities to ensure the safety and accessibility of public ways. In Boston, the 105 CMR 410.260 regulation defines the obligations of property owners, landlords, and tenants based on property type and occupancy arrangements. State regulations intersect with Boston’s municipal ordinances, which require sidewalks abutting properties to be cleared within six (6) hours after snowfall ends during the day or before 1:00 p.m. if the snow falls overnight. In addition to sidewalks, homeowners must maintain safe access to entrances, garages, and parking facilities throughout the winter months. This includes ensuring that all means of egress remain unobstructed by snow and ice and that pathways, driveways, and access to essential utilities are kept clear for emergency and routine use.

Boston Inspectional Services Department
1010 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02118
Phone: (617) 635-5300
Official Website: Boston Inspectional Services Department

Boston Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Boston’s snow removal requirements are enforced under City of Boston Municipal Code, Chapter XVI, Section 16-12. Failure to clear snow and ice from abutting sidewalks within the designated time frame results in the following fines:

• Single-family and small multi-family properties (16 units or fewer): $50 per violation
• Large multi-family buildings (17 units or more): $100 per violation
• Each day of non-compliance: Constitutes a separate violation with additional fines applied daily
• Depositing snow on streets: $50–$200 per violation depending on volume and circumstances

Enforcement is conducted through both proactive inspections and complaint-driven citations. The Inspectional Services Department investigates reports filed through the Boston 311 system. Field inspectors document violations and issue citations accordingly. It is important to note that property owners remain liable for sidewalk clearing violations, even if a lease assigns snow removal duties to tenants. The City issues citations to the property owner of record, who must seek reimbursement from non-compliant tenants through separate legal action.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 establishes non-negotiable landlord responsibilities for snow and ice removal from all means of egress, which typically cannot be transferred to tenants through lease provisions. Landlords are required to keep entrances, exits, and common paths clear of snow and ice to ensure safe evacuation and accessibility.

MA Attorney General’s Office
One Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 727-2200
Official Website: AG Landlord-Tenant Guide

• Multi-Family Properties: Landlords must clear snow and ice from common entrances, stairways, parking lots, walkways, and exterior shared stairs. Parking lots, common sidewalks, and curb ramps are the full responsibility of the property owner, as required by Boston ordinance.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants may be assigned responsibility for private driveways and stairs if specified in a written lease, but the landlord retains liability even when delegating these duties.

• Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants can only be assigned snow removal duties when:
  • Renting a single-family home with exclusive-use driveways and entrances
  • The lease contains an explicit written assignment of responsibilities
  • Paths serve only that tenant’s unit
  • Personal-use areas such as patios, decks, or private parking spaces

Important: Landlords cannot transfer responsibility for shared or common areas through lease provisions. Such clauses are void under Massachusetts law.

Boston Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Boston require comprehensive winter maintenance, including public sidewalks, private driveways, and all pedestrian access routes. Homeowners maintain full liability for slip-and-fall incidents resulting from inadequate snow or ice removal on their property. Critical obligations include:

• Clear driveways and walkways: From public sidewalks to all building entrances
• Remove snow from outdoor stairs, stoops, porches, and decks
• Clear garbage collection points, utility meters, and emergency egresses
• Treat ice with sand, salt, or traction materials
• Coordinate with municipal plowing schedules for effective clearing

Boston Code Enforcement Contact:
Phone: (617) 635-3850
Report online: Boston 311 System

Boston Public Works Department (DPW) maintains over 850 lane miles of roadways throughout the city. Municipal plowing will often deposit snow across previously cleared driveway entrances. Homeowners should anticipate the need for secondary clearing after plows pass. Best practices include monitoring municipal plowing schedules via the Boston Snow Information website, delaying final clearing until plows have completed neighborhood routes, maintaining a 10–12 foot driveway width for vehicle access, and creating snow storage areas away from street edges. It is prohibited to deposit snow onto public streets, which can result in fines.

Residential Properties Throughout Boston Neighborhoods

Our residential snow plowing services extend throughout Greater Boston's diverse neighborhoods, addressing unique challenges created by varied property types, terrain characteristics, and infrastructure conditions.

Back Bay: Characterized by historic row houses and brownstones with narrow sidewalks and limited snow storage. Preservation requirements and high pedestrian traffic necessitate careful snow management and prompt clearance of shared steps and walkways.

South Boston: Predominantly triple-decker and attached single-family homes with compact driveways and on-street parking. Narrow streets and steep slopes require efficient snow removal to maintain access and prevent hazardous conditions.

Jamaica Plain: Features a mix of Victorian-era homes, multi-family properties, and larger suburban-style lots. Sloped terrain, long driveways, and shared parking areas demand coordinated efforts between homeowners and tenants for compliance.

Dorchester: Boston’s largest residential district with diverse housing types, including multi-family complexes, triple-deckers, and single-family homes. Wide property variation leads to unique snow removal strategies for walkways, shared driveways, and alleyways.

Charlestown: Historic townhouses, brick row homes, and newer condo developments are common. Tight alleys, shared courtyards, and preservation guidelines present additional requirements for snow clearing, especially around stairways and communal entrances.

West Roxbury: Suburban-style neighborhoods with detached single-family homes, expansive driveways, and private sidewalks. Snow removal must address both public frontage and large private areas to ensure full compliance and accessibility.

Roxbury: A blend of historic homes, apartment complexes, and modern developments with shared access points. Dense housing and limited snow storage complicate removal from walkways, parking lots, and ramps, requiring systematic planning.

East Boston: Waterfront row houses, triple-deckers, and multi-unit properties with elevated entrances and narrow lots. Proximity to major roadways and public transit hubs increases the need for timely and thorough snow and ice management.