Newton Residential Snow Plowing Services

Newton Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law establishes a comprehensive framework for residential snow removal responsibilities, directly impacting property owners, landlords, and tenants in Newton. 105 CMR 410.260 of the State Sanitary Code defines the legal obligations for maintaining safe passage on and around residential properties. In Newton, municipal ordinances require property owners and occupants to clear sidewalks abutting their homes within 24 hours after snowfall ends, ensuring pedestrian safety and compliance with both state and local law. Beyond sidewalk clearing, responsibilities include maintaining safe access to entrances, garages, parking areas, and all essential pathways throughout winter months.

• Sidewalks: Must be cleared of snow and ice within 24 hours of storm cessation.
• Access Routes: All pathways to doors, garages, and parking must be passable and safe during winter.
• Common Areas: Shared walkways and entries in multi-unit buildings require continuous attention to prevent hazards.

Newton Inspectional Services Department
1000 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton, MA 02459
Phone: (617) 796-1060
Official Website: Newton Inspectional Services Department

Newton Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Newton’s snow removal regulations are codified in the city’s municipal ordinances (Sec. 26-35), establishing clear penalties for non-compliance. The fine structure for residential violations is as follows:

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

Each day that a property is non-compliant constitutes a separate violation, subject to additional fines. The enforcement process includes both proactive inspections and complaint-based investigations. Residents may report violations through the Newton 311 system, which triggers an Inspectional Services investigation, field documentation, and citation issuance as required. Importantly, property owners remain legally responsible for sidewalk clearing, even when lease agreements assign snow removal duties to tenants. The City issues citations to the listed property owner, who must then seek reimbursement from tenants if contractually appropriate.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 establishes mandatory landlord responsibilities for the removal of snow and ice from all means of egress, which cannot generally be transferred to tenants through lease provisions. Landlords are required to ensure that all exits, walkways, and emergency access routes remain free of snow and ice 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 fully responsible for clearing common entrances, exterior shared stairways, parking lots, curb ramps, and all walkways used by multiple tenants.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants may be assigned responsibility for private driveways, stairs, and entrances through explicit written lease agreements. However, landlords retain ultimate liability for ensuring compliance.
• Tenant Assignments: Tenants can only be assigned snow removal duties for exclusive-use areas (such as private patios, decks, or parking spaces) if clearly stated in the lease. Shared/common area responsibility remains with the landlord and cannot be transferred.

Lease clauses attempting to shift responsibility for shared or common areas to tenants are void under Massachusetts law.

Newton Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Newton require comprehensive winter maintenance, extending from public sidewalks to private driveways and all pedestrian access routes. Homeowners maintain full liability for slip-and-fall incidents resulting from inadequate snow removal or untreated ice on their property. To minimize risks and maintain compliance, homeowners must:

• Clear driveways and walkways: Ensure all paths from sidewalks to building entrances are free of snow and ice.
• Maintain stairs, stoops, porches, and decks: Remove snow and treat surfaces for ice accumulation.
• Access points: Keep garbage collection areas, utility meters, and emergency exits accessible.
• Ice treatment: Use sand, salt, or other suitable traction materials as needed.
• Municipal coordination: Align clearing efforts with Newton DPW’s plowing schedules to avoid repeated blockages.

Newton Code Enforcement Contact
Phone: (617) 796-1060
Report online: Newton 311 System

Newton’s Department of Public Works (DPW) clears more than 580 lane miles of roadways during winter storms, which can result in municipal plows depositing additional snow across driveway entrances after initial clearing. Homeowners should plan for secondary removal following DPW operations. Best practices include monitoring plowing progress via the Newton Snow and Ice Control website, delaying final driveway clearing until plows complete their routes, maintaining a 10-12 foot driveway width, and ensuring snow is stored away from street edges. Depositing snow onto city streets is prohibited and subject to fines.

Residential Properties Throughout Newton Neighborhoods

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

Newton Centre: This neighborhood features a mix of historic homes, single-family properties, and multi-family residences with varied driveway configurations and mature landscaping. Snow removal often requires careful navigation of narrow drives and preserving access to shared walkways.

Newtonville: Characterized by triple-deckers, multi-family buildings, and row houses, Newtonville presents challenges such as limited on-street parking, tight alleyways, and the need for coordinated clearing of communal areas and curb ramps.

West Newton: A blend of older homes and newer developments with generous lots, West Newton properties typically have broad driveways and larger parking areas, requiring substantial snow relocation and attention to sloped surfaces.

Auburndale: This suburban-style neighborhood contains predominantly single-family homes with long driveways and private garages. The main challenges include managing windrows left by plows and ensuring safe pedestrian access around corners and cul-de-sacs.

Newton Highlands: Known for its Victorian-era homes and dense tree cover, this area demands careful snow storage planning to avoid damage to historic landscaping and accommodate narrow access routes.

Oak Hill: Comprised of both classic and modern homes on hilly terrain, Oak Hill’s steep driveways and sloped yards require frequent attention to ice control and traction, especially near intersections.

Nonantum (The Lake): Featuring closely spaced multi-family homes, triple-deckers, and limited parking, Nonantum neighborhoods require focused clearing of shared walkways, alleyways, and communal stairs.

Waban: This largely residential district includes spacious single-family properties and cul-de-sacs, where snow removal attention is needed for lengthy driveways and effective snow storage away from street edges.