Waltham Residential Snow Plowing Services

Waltham Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law establishes a foundational framework for residential snow removal responsibilities to ensure safe pedestrian access and minimize hazards during winter months. 105 CMR 410.260, the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code, defines the obligations for property owners, landlords, and tenants, with specific requirements based on property type and occupancy arrangements. In Waltham, these state regulations work in coordination with local ordinances, which require property owners and occupants to clear sidewalks abutting their properties within 24 hours after the end of snowfall. In addition to sidewalk clearing, property owners must maintain safe access routes to homes, garages, and parking facilities for the duration of the winter season, ensuring all egress points and walkways are passable and free of ice accumulation.

Waltham Inspectional Services Department
119 School Street, Waltham, MA 02451
Phone: (781) 314-3150
Official Website: Waltham Inspectional Services Department

Waltham Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Waltham's municipal code (Waltham Ordinance § 17-32) establishes penalties for non-compliance with snow and ice removal regulations. Property owners must clear sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall ends or face fines. The fine structure is as follows:

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

Enforcement is carried out through both proactive inspections and complaint-driven citations. Residents can submit complaints via the city’s 311 system or by phone. Inspectional Services investigates reports, documents violations through field inspection, and issues citations as needed. Importantly, property owners remain legally responsible for sidewalk clearing violations, even if lease agreements assign snow removal duties to tenants. The city will issue citations to the property owner of record; any reimbursement from tenants must be pursued separately by the owner.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 establishes mandatory landlord responsibilities for snow and ice removal that cannot be transferred to tenants through lease provisions in most cases. Landlords are required to keep all means of egress—including primary and secondary exits—free from snow and ice obstructions at all times.

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 snow and ice from common entrances, shared stairways, parking lots, walkways, and curb ramps. All exterior shared stairs and access points are the full responsibility of the property owner, regardless of lease language.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants may be assigned snow removal duties for private driveways and stairs if explicitly stated in a written lease. However, landlords retain legal liability for compliance even when delegating these duties.
• Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants can only be assigned snow removal for exclusive-use areas (such as private driveways, entrances, patios, or parking) in single-family rentals and only if the lease makes this explicit. Shared or common areas cannot be transferred to tenants; any such provisions are void under Massachusetts law.

Waltham Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Waltham must maintain comprehensive winter safety from public sidewalks to private driveways and all pedestrian access routes. Homeowners assume full liability for slip-and-fall incidents caused by inadequate snow or ice removal. Key homeowner obligations include:

• Clear driveways and walkways: Remove snow and ice from all walkways connecting sidewalks to entrances.
• Outdoor stairs, stoops, porches, and decks: Ensure all egress routes are clear and non-slippery.
• Garbage collection and utility access: Clear snow from trash pickup points, utility meters, and emergency exits.
• Ice treatment: Apply sand, salt, or other traction agents to prevent ice buildup.
• Coordinate with municipal plowing: Anticipate additional clearing needs after city plows operate.

Waltham Code Enforcement Contact:
Phone: (781) 314-3150
Report online: Waltham 311 System

The Department of Public Works in Waltham maintains over 300 lane miles of roadway, and municipal plowing will often result in additional snow being pushed into driveway entrances after homeowners have cleared them. Residents are encouraged to monitor plowing progress via the Waltham DPW website and delay final driveway clearing until plows have completed their neighborhood routes. Best practices include maintaining a 10–12 foot width for driveway access, storing snow away from street edges, and strictly avoiding depositing snow onto public streets, as this is prohibited and subject to additional fines.

Residential Properties Throughout Waltham Neighborhoods

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

Bank Square and Downtown: This central district features a mix of historic row houses, multi-family buildings, and converted upper-story residences above commercial storefronts. Narrow sidewalks and limited snow storage increase the complexity of snow removal, requiring careful coordination to maintain pedestrian access.

South Side: Predominantly single-family homes with driveways and detached garages, this area often experiences larger snow accumulations at driveway aprons due to plow activity. Steep grades and mature trees add further challenges for access and storage.

Charles River and Moody Street Corridor: Characterized by triple-deckers and multi-family properties with limited off-street parking, snow removal must account for shared walkways, alley access, and constrained snow storage.

The Highlands: This residential area blends colonial-style homes and duplexes on hilly terrain. Steep driveways and staircases demand extra attention to prevent ice hazards and ensure access for emergency services.

North Waltham: Suburban developments with cul-de-sacs and wide lots, featuring attached garages and long driveways. Snow storage is more manageable, but the area requires consistent driveway clearing to accommodate multiple vehicles and maintain safe egress.

Ravenswood and Cedarwood: Featuring mid-century ranches and split-level homes, these neighborhoods have both single and shared driveways. Snow accumulation at street corners and curb cuts requires diligent clearing to comply with accessibility standards.

Piety Corner and Trapelo Road: Known for historic homes and estates, these districts present unique preservation concerns. Care must be taken to avoid damage to stonework, landscaping, and historic features during snow removal.

Lakeview and Glenmeadow: Consisting of compact single-family homes, small duplexes, and townhouses, these areas often have narrow lots and shared parking. Coordinated snow removal is essential to keep narrow access routes and parking areas usable for all residents.