Westwood Residential Snow Plowing Services

Westwood Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law establishes clear frameworks for residential snow removal, directly impacting homeowners, landlords, and tenants in Westwood. 105 CMR 410.260 defines the legal obligations for property owners to ensure that all means of egress and public ways are kept free of snow and ice. In Westwood, local ordinance requires that sidewalks abutting a property be cleared of snow and ice within 24 hours after snowfall ends. This municipal timeline aligns with state requirements and is enforced throughout the winter season.

• Sidewalks: Must be cleared to a minimum width of 36 inches to maintain pedestrian access and comply with accessibility standards.
• Entrances and Egresses: All primary building entrances, walkways, and steps must be maintained for emergency access.
• Garages and Parking Facilities: Safe passage to and from garages and parking areas must be maintained at all times.
• Additional Duties: Property owners must address icy patches with sand, salt, or similar materials to prevent slip hazards.

For questions related to enforcement or compliance, contact:

Westwood Inspectional Services Department
50 Carby Street, Westwood, MA 02090
Phone: (781) 320-1091
Official Website: Westwood Inspectional Services Department

Westwood Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Westwood's municipal code strictly enforces residential snow removal. According to Westwood General Bylaws, Chapter 184, property owners who fail to clear sidewalks within 24 hours of snowfall cessation are subject to fines. The fine structure is as follows:

• Single-family and small multi-family properties (≤16 units): $50 per violation, per day
• Large multi-family buildings (17+ units): $100 per violation, per day
• Depositing snow on public streets: $50–$200 additional penalty, depending on volume and recurrence

Each day of non-compliance constitutes a separate violation, with cumulative fines possible until the snow or ice is removed. Enforcement is conducted through both proactive inspections and response to complaints submitted via the Westwood 311 SeeClickFix system. Inspectional Services staff document violations and issue citations accordingly.

It is important to note that property owners remain liable for sidewalk clearing violations, even if lease agreements assign snow removal duties to tenants. The City issues citations to the owner of record, who must then seek reimbursement from non-compliant tenants through separate legal action if desired.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 mandates that landlords maintain all means of egress free from snow and ice, a responsibility that cannot be waived through lease language except in specific single-family rental situations. Landlords must ensure common areas and exterior access points remain clear for all residents’ safety.

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 responsible for clearing common entrances, stairways, walkways, parking lots, and curb ramps. This includes all shared exterior access and must meet both state and Westwood ordinance standards.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants may be assigned responsibility for private driveways and stairs if the lease explicitly states so. However, landlords retain ultimate liability under state law.
• Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants can only be tasked with snow removal if renting a single-family house with exclusive-use paths and a lease specifically assigning the duty. This does not extend to shared areas or multi-family common spaces.

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

Westwood Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied homes in Westwood must undergo comprehensive winter maintenance, extending beyond public sidewalks to private driveways, walkways, and access routes. Homeowners are fully liable for slip-and-fall incidents stemming from untreated snow or ice on their property.

• Clear driveways and walkways: Maintain clear routes from sidewalk to all building entrances.
• Outdoor stairs, stoops, porches, and decks: Remove snow and treat for ice to prevent accidents.
• Garbage collection points, utility meters, and emergency egresses: Ensure access remains unobstructed for service and safety personnel.
• Ice treatment: Use sand, salt, or other traction-enhancing materials.
• Coordinate with municipal plowing: Stay informed about plowing schedules and be prepared for secondary snow deposition at driveway entrances.

Westwood Code Enforcement Contact:
Phone: (781) 320-1091
Report online: Westwood 311 SeeClickFix

• Municipal Plowing Impact: The Westwood DPW clears approximately 120 lane miles of roadway, which often results in snow being pushed back across driveway aprons. Homeowners should anticipate the need to re-clear driveway entrances after plows have passed.
• Best Practices: Monitor municipal plowing progress via the Westwood DPW website, delay final clearing until plows complete neighborhood routes, maintain at least a 10-12 foot driveway width, and store snow away from street edges. Never deposit snow onto public streets, as this is prohibited by ordinance and subject to fines.

Residential Properties Throughout Westwood Neighborhoods

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

Islington Village: Characterized by historic single-family homes and compact lots, Islington Village presents challenges such as narrow sidewalks and limited snow storage space. Homeowners must coordinate with neighbors and use smaller equipment to avoid damaging period features.

High Street Corridor: This mixed-use area includes multi-family residences, apartments, and some row houses. The density demands prompt clearing of shared walkways and careful management of parking lot snow piles to ensure safety and access to main roads.

University Avenue District: Featuring newer condominium complexes and townhomes, this area has wide driveways and shared access roads. Snow removal must be coordinated among residents and associations, with particular attention to common areas and curb ramps.

Westwood Estates: A suburban-style neighborhood with larger, detached single-family homes and longer driveways. Snow accumulation can be significant, requiring robust equipment and planning for snow placement away from street corners and fire hydrants.

Everett Street Area: This neighborhood consists of both older homes and recently built properties on hilly terrain. Sloped driveways and walkways require extra attention to prevent ice buildup and maintain safe pedestrian routes.

Oak Street Neighborhood: Known for its triple-decker and duplex housing, Oak Street presents unique snow removal needs for shared entrances and narrow access drives. Coordination among multiple families is required to keep walkways and parking accessible.

Deerfield Avenue Enclave: With a mix of historic and modern homes, this district features irregular lot layouts and mature trees that complicate snow storage and plow access. Homeowners must protect landscaping while ensuring all routes are cleared.

Baker Street Subdivision: Recently developed, this area has wide streets but closely spaced homes and communal green spaces. Specialized equipment is often needed to manage snow in shared courtyards and to maintain compliance with HOA requirements.