Braintree Residential Snow Plowing Services

Braintree Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law establishes the framework for residential snow removal responsibilities, with 105 CMR 410.260 defining the legal obligations of property owners, landlords, and tenants depending on property type and occupancy. In Braintree, these state requirements are supplemented by municipal ordinances, which require property owners to clear snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their property within 24 hours after snowfall ends. State regulations intersect with Braintree's rules to ensure that residential properties maintain safe walkways, driveways, and access routes for all occupants and visitors throughout the winter months.

• Sidewalks: Must be cleared to a minimum width of 36 inches within 24 hours after the end of snowfall.
• Access Points: Entrances, emergency exits, and paths to garages or parking areas must remain free of snow and ice.
• Additional Duties: Property owners are required to maintain clear access to waste collection points, utility meters, mailboxes, and fire hydrants adjacent to their property.

Failure to comply may result in enforcement actions as outlined by local ordinance. For further information or clarification, contact:

Braintree Inspectional Services Department
1 JFK Memorial Drive, Braintree, MA 02184
Phone: (781) 794-8070
Official Website: Braintree Inspectional Services Department

Braintree Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Braintree’s municipal code establishes a fine structure for non-compliance with sidewalk and snow removal requirements. The ordinance mandates the following penalties for residential properties:

• Single-family and small multi-family properties (≤16 units): $50 per violation
• Large multi-family buildings (17+ units): $100 per violation
• Depositing snow on public streets: $50–$200 additional penalty, depending on volume and location
• Daily Violations: Each day that a violation continues constitutes a separate offense subject to additional fines

Enforcement is conducted through both proactive inspections and complaint-driven citations. Residents can report violations via the Braintree 311 system. Upon receiving a report, Inspectional Services dispatches field inspectors who document conditions and issue citations as necessary. Property owners remain legally responsible for violations, even if their lease agreements assign snow removal to tenants. The City issues citations to the owner of record, who must then pursue reimbursement from tenants independently if applicable.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 sets forth non-negotiable landlord responsibilities for snow and ice removal that cannot be transferred to tenants through lease provisions in most situations. Landlords must keep all means of egress—including stairways, exits, and shared walkways—free of snow and ice obstructions to ensure resident 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 fully responsible for clearing common entrances, shared stairways, parking lots, curb ramps, and all walkways serving multiple units. These duties cannot be delegated to tenants in lease agreements.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Landlords may assign the responsibility for private driveways, exterior stairs, and exclusive-use walkways to tenants only if the lease contains explicit written terms. However, landlords retain overall liability for ensuring compliance.
• Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants may be required to clear snow only for private areas used exclusively by their household (such as a private driveway or entrance) and only if their lease specifically assigns these duties. Shared or common areas cannot be assigned to tenants.

It is important to note that any lease clause seeking to transfer responsibility for shared or common areas to tenants is void under Massachusetts law.

Braintree Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Braintree must maintain comprehensive winter safety standards, encompassing both public-facing sidewalks and all private driveways, access routes, and pedestrian paths. Homeowners are fully liable for slip-and-fall injuries resulting from failure to adequately remove snow and ice from these areas.

• Clear Driveways and Walkways: Remove snow from driveways and all pedestrian routes from the sidewalk to building entrances.
• Outdoor Stairs and Decks: Ensure stairs, stoops, porches, and decks are free of snow and ice.
• Access Points: Keep garbage collection areas, utility meters, and emergency egresses accessible.
• Ice Treatment: Apply sand, salt, or traction materials to prevent slips.
• Municipal Coordination: Adjust clearing schedules to account for Braintree DPW plowing operations.

Braintree Code Enforcement Contact
Phone: (781) 794-8070
Report online: Braintree 311 System

Braintree DPW maintains approximately 170 lane miles of public roadways. Plowing operations frequently result in snow being pushed back across cleared driveway entrances, requiring residents to perform additional clearing after each municipal pass. Homeowners are advised to monitor plowing progress via the Braintree website, delay final clearing until plows have completed their routes, maintain a driveway width of 10–12 feet for vehicle access, and create snow storage areas away from the street. Depositing snow onto public streets is prohibited and subject to fines.

Residential Properties Throughout Braintree Neighborhoods

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

South Braintree features a mix of single-family homes and classic New England triple-deckers. Narrow streets and short driveways often require careful coordination to maximize snow storage and maintain access for both residents and emergency vehicles.

Highlands is primarily composed of suburban-style single-family homes with larger lots and longer driveways. The main challenge here is managing wide driveways and cul-de-sacs, with emphasis on keeping mailbox and hydrant areas clear.

Braintree Square includes historic homes, smaller lots, and shared driveways. Many properties have limited snow storage and must coordinate with neighbors to prevent obstructions in common areas.

East Braintree combines row house developments and newer multi-family complexes. Parking lots, shared walkways, and accessibility ramps require prompt and thorough clearing, particularly for residents with mobility needs.

Liberty Park is characterized by mid-century ranch homes and split-level properties with sloped driveways. The incline and layout demand extra attention to prevent icy buildup and maintain safe vehicular access.

Devon Woods encompasses multi-unit condominium communities with extensive common areas. Snow removal must address walkways, parking courts, and interconnected paths, often requiring specialized equipment due to limited maneuvering space.

Pond Street Corridor includes a range of townhouses and duplexes. Shared driveways and restricted on-street parking make coordinated snow removal essential to avoid conflicts and maintain traffic flow.

Five Corners features a blend of historic and modern single-family homes on winding streets. The area’s irregular lot shapes and mature landscaping present unique obstacles for snow storage and access clearance.