Easton Residential Snow Plowing Services

Easton Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law establishes a comprehensive framework for residential snow removal responsibilities, directly impacting property owners, landlords, and tenants in Easton, MA. The 105 CMR 410.260 regulation defines snow and ice removal obligations based on property type and occupancy arrangement. In Easton, municipal ordinances require property owners to clear snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their property within 24 hours after the end of a snowfall. State regulations intersect with these local rules to ensure public safety, accessibility, and prevent hazardous conditions throughout the winter months. Homeowners must also maintain safe access to homes, garages, and parking facilities, not solely sidewalks, by clearing all primary egress routes and treating icy areas as necessary.

Easton Inspectional Services Department
136 Elm Street, Easton, MA 02356
Phone: (508) 230-0630
Official Website: Easton Inspectional Services Department

Easton Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Easton enforces snow removal through its municipal code (General Bylaws Section 182-11), which outlines penalties for non-compliance. The following fine structure applies to residential properties:

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

Each day a violation persists constitutes a separate offense, accruing additional fines. Enforcement is conducted through both proactive inspections and complaint-driven citations. Residents may report violations via the Easton 311 system (Easton 311), which prompts investigation by Inspectional Services field inspectors. Inspectors document conditions and issue citations as warranted. Importantly, property owners remain liable for sidewalk clearing violations even if lease agreements assign snow removal to tenants; citations are sent to the owner of record, who must seek reimbursement from tenants separately if needed.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 mandates that landlords in Easton and throughout Massachusetts maintain all means of egress clear of snow and ice. These obligations cannot be waived or transferred to tenants for shared or common areas through lease agreements. Landlords are responsible for:

• Multi-Family Properties: Ensuring that common entrances, stairways, parking lots, walkways, and exterior shared stairs are kept clear. Curb ramps must be maintained per Easton ordinance requirements.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Assigning responsibility for private driveways and stairs to tenants is permitted only with explicit written lease provisions. However, landlords retain liability under state law even when duties are delegated.

Tenants may only be assigned snow removal duties under the following conditions:

• They rent a single-family home with exclusive-use driveways and entrances
• The lease contains an explicit, written assignment of these responsibilities
• The paths and areas serve solely that tenant’s unit (not shared with others)
• Areas are limited to personal-use spaces such as patios, decks, or private parking

Landlords cannot transfer responsibility for shared or common areas through lease provisions; such clauses are void under Massachusetts law.

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

Easton Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Easton are required to perform comprehensive winter maintenance, which includes not only public sidewalks but also private driveways, walkways, and pedestrian access routes connecting to all building entrances. Homeowners hold full liability for slip-and-fall incidents arising from inadequate snow and ice removal on their property. Critical homeowner obligations include:

• Clear driveways and walkways: From the public sidewalk 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 as needed
• Coordinate with municipal plowing schedules to avoid repeated blockages

Easton Code Enforcement Contact:
Phone: (508) 230-0630
Report online: Easton 311 System

The Easton Department of Public Works (DPW) maintains approximately 180 lane miles of roadway, and municipal plowing operations may inadvertently deposit snow at the end of cleared driveways. Homeowners should anticipate the need for secondary clearing after plows pass. To coordinate effectively:

• Monitor plowing routes via the Easton DPW website or Easton app if available
• Delay final driveway clearing until plowing is complete in your area
• Maintain a minimum 10–12 foot wide access for vehicles
• Create snow storage areas away from street edges to minimize re-blockage
• Never deposit snow onto public streets (an ordinance violation subject to fines)

Residential Properties Throughout Easton Neighborhoods

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

North Easton Village: Featuring historic homes and denser residential lots, this area presents narrow driveways, tight side yards, and preservation requirements for older structures. Snow storage can be limited and attention to shared sidewalks is critical.

South Easton Suburbs: Comprised mainly of single-family homes on larger lots, these neighborhoods face longer driveways and broader walkways, with snow removal needs focused on expansive entrances and mailbox access.

Five Corners Area: Characterized by a mix of multi-family complexes and row houses, this district requires coordinated clearing of shared parking lots, interconnected walkways, and curb ramps, as well as compliance with accessibility standards.

Easton Highlands: Hilly terrain and sloped driveways in this residential neighborhood present unique traction and runoff challenges, making ice treatment and repeated clearing necessary throughout the winter season.

Furnace Village: With a blend of older single-family homes and small apartment buildings, this area often includes narrow streets and limited on-street parking, requiring precise snow placement and efficient walkway clearing.

North Easton Historic District: Home to many preserved properties and triple-decker residences, this district demands careful snow management to avoid property damage and preserve architectural features, with close coordination on shared sidewalks.

Bay Road Corridor: Suburban-style developments along Bay Road feature cul-de-sacs and private lanes, where homeowners must manage both individual driveway clearing and shared roadway maintenance to ensure safe access for all residents.

Unionville: Mixed-use and residential properties with multi-family units and small businesses require attention to parking areas, shared pedestrian routes, and snow storage away from commercial entrances.