Somerville Residential Snow Plowing Services

Somerville Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law establishes the legal framework for residential snow removal responsibility, with 105 CMR 410.260 outlining the obligations of property owners, landlords, and tenants depending on property type and occupancy. In Somerville, these state requirements are complemented by municipal ordinances that require property owners to clear all sidewalks abutting their property within six hours after snow stops falling, or by 1:00 pm if the storm ends overnight. Failure to comply can result in city enforcement and fines.

• Sidewalk Clearing: Owners must clear a minimum 36-inch-wide path along sidewalks for pedestrian safety, including curb ramps at crosswalks.
• Access Maintenance: Duties extend beyond sidewalks to include unobstructed access to building entrances, garages, parking spaces, and fire escapes.
• Continuous Compliance: Snow and ice must be maintained throughout the winter months, not just immediately following storms.

For questions or to report violations, contact:

Somerville Inspectional Services Department
1 Franey Road, Somerville, MA 02145
Phone: (617) 625-6600 x5600
Official Website: Somerville Inspectional Services Department

Somerville Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

The City of Somerville enforces snow removal under Section 12-16-110 of the Somerville Code of Ordinances. Failure to clear sidewalks within the required timeframe results in fines:

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

Each day of non-compliance is considered a separate violation, with fines accruing daily until compliance is achieved. Enforcement is carried out through both proactive (routine) inspections and complaint-driven investigations. Residents can report violations through the Somerville 311 system. Field inspectors document conditions with photos and issue citations as appropriate.

Important landlord note: Property owners are legally liable for sidewalk clearing violations even if their lease assigns snow removal responsibilities to tenants. The City cites the property owner of record, who must then seek reimbursement from tenants through private legal action if applicable.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 establishes that landlords (property owners) are responsible for keeping all means of egress—including sidewalks, driveways, and building exits—free from snow and ice obstructions. These responsibilities are non-negotiable and cannot be transferred to tenants through lease provisions for multi-family properties or shared/common areas.

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 all common entrances, stairways, parking lots, walkways, and exterior stairs. Curb ramps and common sidewalks remain the landlord’s responsibility regardless of lease terms.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants may be assigned responsibility for private driveways, stairs, and entrances if a written lease explicitly states this. Even so, landlords retain ultimate legal liability for compliance.
• Tenant Obligations: Tenants can only be required to remove snow from areas designated for their exclusive use—such as private driveways, entrances, patios, or parking spaces—when this is clearly detailed in the lease and the path serves only that tenant’s unit.
• Shared/Common Areas: Landlords cannot delegate snow removal for shared or common areas to tenants. Lease clauses attempting to do so are void under Massachusetts law.

Somerville Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Somerville must provide comprehensive winter maintenance, 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 or ice removal on their property.

• Clear all driveways and walkways from the public sidewalk to every building entrance
• Remove snow from outdoor stairs, stoops, porches, and decks
• Clear garbage/recycling collection points, utility meters, and emergency egresses
• Treat ice with sand, salt, or other traction materials
• Coordinate with municipal plowing schedules to anticipate additional accumulation at driveway aprons after plows pass

Somerville Code Enforcement Contact
Phone: (617) 625-6600 x5600
Report online: Somerville 311 System

• Municipal Plowing Impact: The Somerville Department of Public Works (DPW) maintains over 150 lane miles of roadways. Plowing operations frequently result in snow being pushed back onto already cleared driveway entrances, requiring homeowners to perform secondary clearing.
• Best Practices:
  • Monitor DPW plowing progress using the Somerville snow operations website
  • Delay final clearing of driveways until plows have completed neighborhood routes
  • Maintain a minimum 10–12 foot driveway width for safe vehicle access
  • Store cleared snow away from street edges and never deposit snow onto public roadways (violates city ordinance and may incur fines)

Residential Properties Throughout Somerville Neighborhoods

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

West Somerville (Tufts and Powder House) features a mix of single-family homes and triple-deckers with long, often sloped driveways. Snow storage is a challenge due to narrow lots, and corners require extra care for safe passage.

Davis Square and Spring Hill are characterized by classic triple-decker buildings and attached row houses with limited off-street parking. Clearing shared steps and narrow sidewalks is essential for pedestrian safety and compliance.

East Somerville consists of multi-family complexes and dense historic housing with compact yards and shared walkways. These areas require coordination for clearing common paths and maintaining curb ramps per city ordinance.

Ten Hills and Assembly Square include newer townhouses, condo developments, and some suburban-style homes with private driveways. Wide sidewalks and parking areas demand thorough ice treatment and adherence to city snow storage rules.

Magoun Square and Winter Hill offer a blend of single-family residences and older apartment buildings, often situated on hills. Steep slopes and limited snow storage necessitate repeated clearing and vigilant ice management.

Union Square features historic homes and mixed-use row houses with minimal setback from the street. Sidewalk and curb ramp access are especially important in these busy, high-traffic corridors.

Prospect Hill and Central Hill have a combination of historic triple-deckers, modern multi-family dwellings, and municipal properties. Shared driveways and stair access points require cooperation among neighbors and strict adherence to city requirements.

Balls Square and College Avenue neighborhoods present a mix of student rentals and established family homes, with narrow lots and frequent on-street parking. Clearing pedestrian access and driveways must be coordinated with city plowing schedules to avoid re-deposition of snow.