EastBridgewater Residential Snow Plowing Services

EastBridgewater Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law establishes a clear framework for residential snow removal responsibilities across all municipalities, including EastBridgewater. 105 CMR 410.260 (Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human Habitation) defines obligations for property owners, landlords, and tenants, varying by property type and occupancy arrangement. In EastBridgewater, these state regulations intersect with local ordinances that require property owners and occupants to clear snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their properties within 24 hours after snowfall ends. Beyond sidewalk clearance, homeowners are also responsible for ensuring safe access to homes, garages, and parking facilities throughout the winter months, maintaining all access routes free of snow and ice to prevent accidents and maintain accessibility for emergency services.

EastBridgewater Inspectional Services Department
175 Central Street, East Bridgewater, MA 02333
Phone: (508) 378-1600
Official Website: EastBridgewater Inspectional Services Department

EastBridgewater Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

EastBridgewater’s snow removal ordinance (Town Bylaws, Article V, Section 7) outlines fines for violations related to residential snow and ice removal. The current 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 onto public streets: $50–$200 per incident, depending on the amount and impact on public safety

Each day that a property remains non-compliant constitutes a separate violation and results in additional fines. Enforcement is carried out through both proactive inspections and complaint-driven citations. Residents can report violations through the EastBridgewater 311 online system or by contacting the Inspectional Services Department directly. Field inspectors document violations and issue citations as necessary. Importantly, property owners remain liable for violations even if lease agreements assign snow removal duties to tenants; the City issues citations to owners of record, who must seek reimbursement from tenants through separate legal action.

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. In almost all circumstances, landlords cannot transfer these obligations to tenants through lease provisions. Landlords must keep all means of egress free from snow and ice obstructions to ensure resident safety and legal compliance.

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 fully responsible for clearing common entrances, stairways, parking lots, walkways, exterior shared stairs, and any curb ramps as required by EastBridgewater ordinance. These duties cannot be delegated through a lease.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants may be assigned responsibility for private driveways and stairs if this is explicitly stated in a written lease agreement. However, the landlord retains liability for ensuring the work is completed and may be cited by the City if requirements are not met.
• Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants can only be assigned snow removal for areas that exclusively serve their unit, such as private driveways and entrances, and only with explicit written agreement. These assignments must not cover shared or common areas, as such clauses are void under Massachusetts law.

EastBridgewater Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in EastBridgewater must maintain comprehensive winter safety, extending from public sidewalks to private driveways and all pedestrian access routes. Homeowners are fully liable for any slip-and-fall incidents resulting from inadequate snow and ice removal on their property.

• Clear all driveways and walkways: Remove snow and ice from the sidewalk to every building entrance.
• Outdoor stairs, stoops, porches, and decks: Keep these areas free of snow and ice.
• Garbage collection points, utility meters, and emergency exits: Ensure access remains open and unobstructed.
• Treat ice: Use sand, salt, or other traction materials to improve safety.
• Coordinate with municipal plowing schedules: Time your efforts to reduce repeat work and improve effectiveness.

EastBridgewater Code Enforcement Contact:
Phone: (508) 378-1600
Report online: EastBridgewater 311 System

EastBridgewater Public Works plows approximately 120 lane miles of roads during snow events, which can result in snow being pushed back into driveway entrances even after initial homeowner clearing. Residents should anticipate the need for secondary clearing after plows pass. Best practices for driveway clearing include monitoring plowing progress through the EastBridgewater website, delaying final clearing until plows have finished in your area, maintaining at least a 10-12 foot driveway width for vehicle access, stacking snow away from public streets, and never depositing snow onto roadways, which is prohibited by ordinance and subject to fines.

Residential Properties Throughout EastBridgewater Neighborhoods

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

Central Village: This area features older single-family homes and historic residences with narrow streets and limited off-street parking. Snow removal here requires careful coordination to preserve sidewalks and allow for emergency vehicle access.

Union Street Corridor: Lined with triple-decker and small multi-family dwellings, this district presents challenges such as shared driveways, high-density parking, and frequent pedestrian traffic, requiring prompt attention to walkways and curb ramps.

South EastBridgewater Suburbs: Characterized by newer, suburban-style single-family developments with wide driveways and cul-de-sacs, these neighborhoods require extensive driveway clearing and ample snow storage planning.

Northville Area: Home to ranches, split-levels, and mid-century houses, Northville’s sloped lots and lengthy driveways demand attention to snow drift patterns and effective ice treatment for hilly access roads.

East Field Estates: Featuring large-lot homes and private drives, this area faces challenges with long stretches of driveway and limited municipal plowing, placing greater responsibility on homeowners for timely snow removal.

Historic District: EastBridgewater’s historic core includes antique homes and preserved properties with unique architectural features. Snow removal here must balance safety with the protection of heritage landscaping and structures.

Multi-Family Complexes: Garden-style apartment communities and townhouse developments require comprehensive clearing of shared parking lots, internal roads, and common walkways, often necessitating specialized equipment and coordinated schedules.

West Side: A mix of traditional homes and newer construction, the West Side sees variable lot sizes and both private and public access routes. Homeowners must address a combination of sidewalk, driveway, and shared space requirements, especially on narrow side streets.