Plymouth Residential Snow Plowing Services

Plymouth Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law provides the regulatory foundation for residential snow removal throughout the Commonwealth, including Plymouth. 105 CMR 410.260 establishes obligations for property owners, landlords, and tenants, setting clear standards based on property type and occupancy arrangements. In Plymouth, these state requirements are further defined by local ordinances: homeowners are required to clear public sidewalks abutting their property within 24 hours after snowfall ends, per local code. Homeowners must also maintain safe, accessible pathways to all entrances, garages, and parking areas throughout winter months—not solely the public sidewalk. These measures are intended to ensure pedestrian safety, emergency access, and compliance with both state and municipal expectations.

• 105 CMR 410.260: Sets the statewide framework for snow removal responsibilities for all residential property types.
• Plymouth 24-hour Rule: Sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours of the cessation of snowfall.
• Additional Duties: Includes maintaining pathways to entry doors, garages, and parking spaces free from snow and ice.

Plymouth Inspectional Services Department
26 Court Street, Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone: (508) 747-1620
Official Website: Plymouth Inspectional Services Department

Plymouth Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Plymouth enforces its snow removal obligations under Town Bylaw, Article 6, Section 6-5, which outlines penalties for noncompliance. The fine structure is as follows:

• Single-family and small multi-family properties (up to 16 units): $50 per violation, per day.
• Large multi-family properties (17+ units): $100 per violation, per day.
• Depositing snow onto public streets: $100–$200 per incident, based on severity and volume.

Each day that sidewalks or required access routes remain uncleared constitutes a separate violation. Plymouth may conduct proactive inspections after storms and also responds to resident complaints submitted through the 311 SeeClickFix system. Field inspectors document conditions, issue citations, and track repeat offenses in accordance with municipal procedures. Importantly, property owners remain legally responsible for sidewalk clearing violations, even if lease agreements assign the duty to tenants. Citations are issued to the owner of record, who must then seek reimbursement from non-compliant tenants through separate legal channels.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 mandates that landlords cannot transfer responsibility for snow and ice removal from common areas to tenants through lease clauses, except in narrowly defined cases. Landlords must ensure that all means of egress—including shared walkways, stairs, and parking lots—remain free of snow and ice obstructions at all times.

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 fully responsible for clearing snow and ice from all common entrances, exterior stairs, parking lots, walkways, and curb ramps as required by Plymouth ordinances.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants may be assigned responsibility for exclusive-use driveways and stairs if the lease agreement specifies this in writing. However, the landlord retains legal liability for overall compliance.
• Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants may be held responsible for snow removal only when renting a single-family home with exclusive-use areas and an explicit written lease assignment. This applies solely to private walkways, driveways, patios, decks, or parking spaces dedicated to that tenant’s unit.

Landlords cannot lawfully assign responsibility for shared or common areas to tenants. Lease provisions attempting to do so are void under Massachusetts law.

Plymouth Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Plymouth must be maintained to ensure safe access throughout the winter, from public sidewalks to all private driveways and pedestrian routes. Homeowners assume full liability for slip-and-fall incidents caused by inadequate snow or ice removal, regardless of weather severity. Critical obligations include:

• Clear driveways and walkways: Ensure unobstructed access from public sidewalks to all building entrances.
• Outdoor stairs, stoops, porches, and decks: Remove snow and ice to prevent slip hazards.
• Garbage collection points and utility meters: Maintain clear access for collection and emergency services.
• Ice treatment: Use sand, salt, or other traction materials on all paved surfaces.
• Coordination: Monitor municipal plowing schedules and coordinate clearing activities accordingly.

Plymouth Code Enforcement Contact:
Phone: (508) 747-1620
Report online: Plymouth 311 System

Plymouth Department of Public Works (DPW) is responsible for clearing more than 600 lane miles of public roads. Municipal plowing often results in additional snow being pushed onto driveway entrances after homeowners have cleared them. Residents are encouraged to:

• Monitor plowing status: Use the Plymouth DPW website for real-time updates.
• Delay final clearing: Wait until municipal plows have completed neighborhood routes before final shoveling.
• Maintain driveway width: Keep driveways at least 10–12 feet wide for safe vehicle access.
• Snow storage: Pile snow away from street edges to prevent re-deposition by plows.
• Do not deposit snow on public streets: This is a violation subject to fines under Plymouth ordinance.

Residential Properties Throughout Plymouth Neighborhoods

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

Downtown Plymouth: Characterized by historic row houses, triple-deckers, and compact lots, these areas often feature narrow sidewalks and limited snow storage. Property owners must pay special attention to shared walkways and curb ramps to ensure compliance and accessibility.

North Plymouth: This district includes a mix of multi-family complexes and traditional single-family homes. Challenges include steep driveways and shared parking areas that require coordinated snow removal efforts among neighbors or HOAs.

Manomet: Predominantly suburban-style, with detached homes set back from the street and longer private driveways. Homeowners are responsible for maintaining extensive pedestrian routes and ensuring access for emergency vehicles.

West Plymouth: Features newer developments with cul-de-sacs and wide residential streets. Plowing is typically straightforward, but snow storage space can be limited in higher-density sections.

Chiltonville: This area showcases historic estates and large properties, often with private roadways and multiple outbuildings. Snow removal must account for long access drives, ornate landscaping, and preservation requirements.

South Plymouth: A mix of lakeside cottages and year-round single-family homes. Narrow access roads and hilly terrain can complicate safe snow clearing and require specialized equipment.

White Horse Beach: Known for seasonal cottages and tightly clustered homes with minimal setbacks, these properties face parking limitations and require careful coordination to ensure shared pathways remain clear.

The Pinehills: A master-planned community with private streets, HOA-managed snow removal, and a variety of property types from townhomes to single-family houses. Requirements are often set by both the association and municipal code, emphasizing timely and comprehensive maintenance.