Arlington Residential Snow Plowing Services

Arlington Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law establishes a clear framework for residential snow removal responsibilities, requiring property owners, landlords, and tenants to maintain safe, accessible walkways during winter months. The 105 CMR 410.260 regulation provides specific guidance for snow and ice removal obligations based on property type and occupancy arrangements. In Arlington, municipal ordinances supplement state law by mandating that all property owners clear snow and ice from adjacent sidewalks and accessible paths within 8 hours during daylight hours after snowfall ends, or before noon if snow has fallen overnight. Additional duties include maintaining safe access to homes, garages, and parking facilities throughout the winter, ensuring that all egress routes remain unobstructed and passable.

• Sidewalks: Must be cleared of snow and ice within 8 hours of the end of snowfall during the day, or by noon if snow ends overnight.
• Entrances and Egress Routes: All access points, including steps, ramps, and walkways, must be kept free of snow and ice.
• Garages and Parking Facilities: Paths leading to and from parking areas must be maintained for safe use.

Arlington Inspectional Services Department
51 Grove Street, Arlington, MA 02476
Phone: (781) 316-3420
Official Website: Arlington Inspectional Services Department

Arlington Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Arlington’s snow removal regulations are codified in Town Bylaws Title V, Article 9, requiring timely removal of snow and ice from public sidewalks. Failure to comply with these ordinances results in fines that escalate based on property type and duration of non-compliance. The fine structure is as follows:

• Single-family and small multi-family (16 units or fewer): $50 per violation per day
• Large multi-family buildings (17 or more units): $200 per violation per day
• Depositing snow onto public streets: $100–$200 per incident, depending on volume and circumstances

Each day of non-compliance constitutes a separate violation subject to additional fines. Enforcement is conducted through both proactive inspections and complaint-driven citations, which can be reported through the Arlington 311 system. Inspectional Services investigates reports, documents violations, and issues citations to property owners of record. Importantly, property owners remain legally responsible for sidewalk clearing violations, even when lease agreements assign snow removal duties to tenants. The City issues citations to property owners, who may seek reimbursement from non-compliant tenants through separate legal proceedings.

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, prohibiting transfer of these obligations to tenants in most circumstances. Landlords are required to keep all means of egress free from snow and ice obstructions, ensuring safe access for all occupants.

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

• Multi-Family Properties: Landlords are responsible for clearing common entrances, stairways, walkways, exterior shared stairs, parking lots, and sidewalks. Curb ramps must also be maintained in compliance with Arlington ordinances.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants may be assigned responsibility for private driveways and stairs through a written lease agreement, but landlords retain overall liability for compliance.
• Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants can only be required to remove snow and ice for exclusive-use areas (driveways, entrances, patios, decks, or parking spaces) if the lease explicitly assigns these duties and these areas are not shared with other units.

Important: Landlords cannot delegate responsibility for shared or common areas to tenants through lease provisions; such clauses are void under Massachusetts law.

Arlington Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Arlington demand comprehensive winter maintenance, extending from public sidewalks to private driveways and all pedestrian access routes. Homeowners are fully liable for slip-and-fall incidents caused by inadequate snow and ice removal.

• Clear driveways and walkways: Ensure all paths from the sidewalk to building entrances are free of snow and ice.
• Remove snow from stairs, stoops, porches, and decks: All exterior access points must be maintained for safety.
• Clear garbage collection points, utility meters, emergency exits: Maintain access for essential services and emergency response.
• Treat ice: Use sand, salt, or traction materials as necessary to prevent slippery conditions.
• Coordinate with municipal plowing: Monitor local plowing schedules and anticipate secondary clearing needs.

Arlington Code Enforcement Contact:
Phone: (781) 316-3095
Report online: Arlington 311 System

The Arlington Department of Public Works (DPW) clears approximately 144 lane miles of roadway throughout the city. Municipal plowing often deposits snow across driveway entrances, requiring homeowners to perform additional clearing after plows have completed their routes. Best practices include monitoring DPW operations via the Arlington DPW website, delaying final clearing until plows finish neighborhood streets, maintaining a 10-12 foot driveway width for access, and creating snow storage areas away from street edges. Depositing snow onto public streets is prohibited and subject to fines.

Residential Properties Throughout Arlington Neighborhoods

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

Arlington Heights: This predominantly single-family area features hilly terrain and long driveways, requiring significant snow removal effort to maintain access and safe passage, especially on sloped lots and narrow streets.

East Arlington: Characterized by historic row houses and triple-deckers, East Arlington presents challenges with shared walkways, limited on-street parking, and minimal snow storage space. Coordination among neighbors is often necessary for proper clearing.

Jason Heights: Known for historic homes and mature landscaping, Jason Heights properties typically have ornate steps, stone walkways, and preservation requirements. Snow removal must be done carefully to avoid damage to delicate features.

Brattle Square: Composed of both multi-family complexes and older single-family homes, Brattle Square often features shared parking lots and communal sidewalks, with both property owners and tenants coordinating snow removal responsibilities.

Arlington Center: With dense development and mixed-use properties, Arlington Center includes apartment buildings and commercial-residential structures. Narrow walkways and high pedestrian traffic require diligent and frequent snow clearing.

Morningside: Suburban-style homes with large lots and extended driveways are common in Morningside, where wide driveways and expansive walkways demand both time and equipment for proper winter maintenance.

Turkey Hill: Turkey Hill’s elevated topography and winding streets often lead to significant snow accumulation and drifting. Steep driveways and narrow access roads are frequent concerns for residents and service providers alike.

Kelwyn Manor: Featuring waterfront properties and mid-century homes, Kelwyn Manor presents unique challenges including snowplow access limitations and the need to protect landscaping and water drainage systems during removal efforts.