WestBridgeWater Residential Snow Plowing Services

WestBridgewater Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law establishes a clear framework for residential snow removal responsibilities, ensuring the safety and accessibility of homes throughout winter. 105 CMR 410.260 outlines the obligations of property owners, landlords, and tenants, with requirements varying based on property type and occupancy arrangements. In WestBridgewater, these state standards intersect with local municipal ordinances mandating that property owners must clear snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their properties within 24 hours after the end of a snowfall. In addition to sidewalks, homeowners are required to maintain safe access to all building entrances, garages, and parking facilities, ensuring egress and reducing slip hazards throughout the winter months.

For further compliance guidance or to address enforcement queries, contact:

WestBridgewater Inspectional Services Department
65 North Main Street, WestBridgewater, MA 02379
Phone: (508) 894-1200
Official Website: WestBridgewater Inspectional Services Department

WestBridgewater Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

WestBridgewater’s local ordinance, Town Bylaws, Article XXII, establishes penalties for non-compliance with snow removal regulations. The fine structure is as follows:

• Single-family and small multi-family properties (≤16 units): $50 per violation, per day
• Large multi-family buildings (17+ units): $100 per violation, per day
• Depositing snow on public streets: $100–$300 per incident, depending on volume and severity

Each day of non-compliance is considered a separate violation and may result in additional penalties. Enforcement is carried out through a combination of proactive inspections and complaint-driven responses. Residents can report violations using the WestBridgewater 311 System. Inspectional Services investigates complaints, documents conditions, and issues citations as needed. Important for landlords: property owners remain legally liable for snow removal violations, even if lease agreements assign responsibility to tenants. The City issues citations to the owner of record, who must pursue reimbursement from tenants through separate legal action if necessary.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 sets forth non-negotiable landlord responsibilities for the removal of snow and ice, which cannot be transferred to tenants through lease agreements in most scenarios. Landlords must keep all means of egress free from snow and ice obstructions at all times.

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 are responsible for clearing common entrances, stairways, parking lots, walkways, exterior shared stairs, and curb ramps as required by WestBridgewater ordinances. These duties cannot be delegated to tenants.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants may be assigned responsibility for private driveways and stairs if a written lease explicitly states this. However, landlords retain legal liability for ensuring compliance with all snow removal requirements.
• Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants may be assigned snow removal only when renting single-family homes with exclusive-use driveways and entrances, and only if the lease contains an explicit written assignment. These assignments apply solely to areas serving the tenant’s unit, such as private patios, decks, or parking spaces. Responsibility for shared or common areas cannot be transferred to tenants; such provisions are void under Massachusetts law.

WestBridgewater Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in WestBridgewater must be maintained comprehensively throughout the winter, including all pedestrian and vehicular access routes. Homeowners retain full liability for slip-and-fall injuries arising from inadequate snow or ice removal.

• Clear driveways and walkways: Ensure safe passage from public sidewalks to all building entrances.
• Remove snow from outdoor stairs, stoops, porches, and decks
• Clear garbage collection points, utility meters, and emergency exits
• Treat ice with sand, salt, or traction materials
• Coordinate with municipal plowing schedules

WestBridgewater Code Enforcement Contact:
Phone: (508) 894-1200
Report online: WestBridgewater 311 System

WestBridgewater’s Department of Public Works (DPW) clears approximately 75 lane miles of roadway, and plowing operations may deposit snow across driveway entrances following initial homeowner clearing. Homeowners should anticipate the need for secondary clearing after plows have passed. Recommended best practices include:

• Monitor municipal plowing: Check updates via the WestBridgewater DPW website
• Delay final driveway clearing: Wait until plows have completed your neighborhood before final shoveling or plowing
• Maintain 10–12 foot driveway width: Ensure access for vehicles and emergency services
• Create snow storage areas: Pile snow away from street edges to reduce re-deposition and maintain sightlines
• Never deposit snow on public streets: This is a violation subject to fines under local ordinance

Residential Properties Throughout WestBridgewater Neighborhoods

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

Central Village District: Characterized by historic homes, narrow streets, and mature trees, Central Village presents snow removal challenges such as limited snow storage and the need to protect historic landscaping. Homeowners must also be mindful of preservation requirements and accessibility for pedestrians.

Matfield Neighborhood: Consisting mainly of mid-century single-family homes with driveways and attached garages, Matfield’s broad streets allow for more flexible snow storage but require attention to wide curb cuts and sloped driveways.

East Side Suburbs: This area features newer subdivisions with cul-de-sacs and larger lots. Driveway lengths can be substantial, necessitating thorough plowing and ice treatment, especially where driveways meet the public way. Snow banks must be managed to avoid obstructing visibility.

West Side Multi-Family Complexes: Multi-family properties with shared parking lots and internal walkways require coordinated snow removal plans to ensure accessibility for all residents. Clearing shared spaces and maintaining fire access lanes are critical obligations.

South End Residential Zone: Predominantly single-family homes with detached garages and rear alleys. Snow removal here involves clearing narrow access lanes and maintaining egress to secondary entrances, while managing limited snow storage space.

Historic Green District: This neighborhood includes landmark properties and older multi-family buildings. Snow removal efforts must balance thorough clearance with sensitivity to heritage landscapes and compliance with preservation guidelines.

River Street Corridor: A mix of row houses, triple-deckers, and small apartment buildings, this area presents challenges such as shared walkways, minimal front setbacks, and shared driveways. Coordinated snow clearing among residents and adherence to city regulations are essential.

North WestBridgewater Suburban Fringe: Featuring large-lot, contemporary homes with extensive driveways and private access roads. These properties demand significant snow plowing resources and often require private contractors for effective winter maintenance.