Medford Residential Snow Plowing Services

Medford Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law establishes clear frameworks for residential snow removal responsibilities, ensuring safety and accessibility in communities across the Commonwealth. The 105 CMR 410.260 regulation defines the legal obligations for property owners, landlords, and tenants, based on property type and occupancy arrangements. In Medford, these state regulations are supplemented by local ordinances, which require property owners to clear snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their properties within 6 hours after snow has stopped falling during the day, or by 1:00 PM if the snowfall ends overnight. These rules ensure that sidewalks, driveways, steps, and walkways remain accessible and safe. Homeowners are also expected to maintain clear access to homes, garages, and parking facilities throughout the winter months, extending their responsibilities beyond public sidewalks to include all primary pedestrian and vehicular routes on their property.

Medford Inspectional Services Department
85 George P. Hassett Drive, Medford, MA 02155
Phone: (781) 393-2560
Official Website: Medford Inspectional Services Department

Medford Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Medford’s municipal code, as outlined in Section 9.20 of the Medford Code of Ordinances, sets out specific penalties for snow removal violations. Residential property owners who fail to clear snow and ice in accordance with the required timeline face fines as follows:

• Single-family and small multi-family properties (up to 16 units): $50 per violation
• Large multi-family buildings (17+ units): $100 per violation
• Each day of non-compliance: Constitutes a separate violation, incurring additional fines
• Depositing snow onto public streets: $100–$300 additional penalty depending on the amount and impact

Enforcement is carried out through both proactive inspections and complaint-driven citations. Medford Inspectional Services investigates reports submitted via the city's 311 system. Field inspectors document violations and issue citations as warranted. Importantly, property owners remain liable for sidewalk clearing violations even if lease agreements delegate snow removal responsibilities to tenants. The City issues citations to the recorded property owner, who must then seek reimbursement from non-compliant tenants through separate legal processes.

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. Most landlord duties under state law cannot be transferred to tenants through lease provisions, except in specific circumstances. Landlords are required to keep all means of egress—including exterior stairs, walks, and exits—free from snow and ice obstructions.

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 must clear common entrances, stairways, parking lots, and walkways, including exterior shared stairs, parking lots, common sidewalks, and curb ramps as required by Medford ordinance.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants may be assigned responsibility for private driveways and stairs only if a written lease agreement explicitly states so. However, landlords retain legal liability even when delegating duties.
• Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants can only be assigned snow removal obligations when renting single-family homes with exclusive-use driveways and entrances, provided the lease contains an explicit written assignment. These responsibilities are limited to paths and areas serving only that tenant’s unit, such as private patios, decks, or parking spaces.
• Important: Landlords cannot transfer responsibility for shared or common areas to tenants through a lease. Such clauses are void under Massachusetts law.

Medford Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Medford require comprehensive winter maintenance, encompassing public sidewalks, private driveways, and pedestrian access routes. Homeowners maintain full liability for any slip-and-fall incidents resulting from inadequate snow or ice removal on their property. Essential obligations for Medford homeowners include:

• Clear driveways and walkways: Maintain clear routes from sidewalks to all building entrances
• Remove snow from outdoor stairs, stoops, porches, and decks
• Clear garbage collection points, utility meters, and emergency egresses
• Treat ice: Use sand, salt, or traction materials to mitigate slip risks
• Coordinate with municipal plowing schedules

Medford Code Enforcement Contact:
Phone: (781) 393-2560
Report online: Medford 311 System

Medford’s Department of Public Works (DPW) plows approximately 150 lane miles of roadway during winter storms. Municipal plowing operations can deposit snow across cleared driveway entrances, requiring homeowners to perform secondary clearing once plows have completed their routes. Residents should monitor plowing progress via the Medford snow removal website and delay final driveway clearing until plows have finished in their area. Best practices include maintaining a 10–12 foot wide driveway for vehicle access, creating snow storage areas away from street edges, and never depositing snow onto public streets, which is prohibited by ordinance and subject to fines.

Residential Properties Throughout Medford Neighborhoods

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

West Medford: Characterized by classic single-family homes and tree-lined streets, West Medford presents challenges with long driveways and curbside parking. Snow storage space can be limited, requiring careful coordination to keep sidewalks and driveways accessible.

South Medford: Home to a mix of triple-decker and multi-family buildings, South Medford features narrow side streets, shared driveways, and limited off-street parking. Residents must pay close attention to sidewalk clearing and coordinate with neighbors for shared access areas.

Medford Hillside: This district contains many student rentals and multi-unit homes. Frequent turnover and variable occupancy can complicate snow removal assignments, especially in areas with shared walkways and parking lots.

Lawrence Estates: Suburban-style developments with larger lots and driveways, Lawrence Estates homes require extensive individual snow clearing for both pedestrian and vehicular access. Sloped driveways and long walks increase the need for prompt and thorough snow management.

The Heights: This residential area features modern homes, cul-de-sacs, and hilly terrain. Slopes and elevation changes create additional challenges for both plowing and safe pedestrian passage, especially during icy conditions.

Wellington: A blend of condominiums and apartment complexes, Wellington neighborhoods often have shared parking facilities and garage structures. Coordinated snow removal is essential to maintain safe access for residents and service vehicles.

Glenwood: With a mix of historic homes, row houses, and small multi-families, Glenwood presents issues related to narrow lots, older walkways, and preservation requirements. Careful snow clearing helps protect both residents and sensitive property features.

North Medford: Known for larger properties, wooded lots, and longer driveways, North Medford homes require substantial effort to keep all access points clear throughout winter. Proximity to conservation areas may limit options for snow storage and equipment use.