Weston Residential Snow Plowing Services

Weston Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law provides the foundational framework for residential snow removal responsibilities, ensuring public safety and accessibility during winter. 105 CMR 410.260 details obligations for property owners, landlords, and tenants, defining who must maintain sidewalks and means of egress depending on property type and occupancy. In Weston, these state regulations are complemented by local ordinances that require residential property owners to clear snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their properties within 24 hours after snowfall ends, as specified in the Weston Sidewalk Bylaw Article XXVI. Beyond sidewalks, homeowners must also ensure safe access to all entrances, garages, and parking facilities for the duration of the winter season. Regular maintenance is critical to prevent hazardous conditions that could result in injuries or municipal violations.

Weston Inspectional Services Department
Town Hall, 11 Town House Road, Weston, MA 02493
Phone: (781) 786-5020
Official Website: Inspectional Services Department

Weston Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Weston's Sidewalk Bylaw Article XXVI outlines enforcement and penalties for non-compliance with snow removal requirements. The fine structure is as follows:

• Single-family and small multi-family properties (16 units or fewer): $50 per violation per day
• Large multi-family buildings (17 units or more): $100 per violation per day
• Depositing snow on public streets: $100–$200 per incident, depending on the volume and obstruction caused

Each day that sidewalks remain uncleared constitutes a separate violation and may result in accumulating penalties. Enforcement is conducted through both proactive inspections and responses to resident complaints submitted via the Weston 311 system. When a complaint is filed, Inspectional Services dispatches a field inspector who documents the condition, issues citations, and follows up as necessary. Importantly, property owners are held responsible for violations, even if their lease agreements assign snow removal tasks to tenants; the City will cite the owner of record, who must seek recovery from the tenant independently if applicable.

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 duty that cannot be transferred to tenants in most cases. Landlords are required to ensure unobstructed access for emergency services and daily use across all residential properties.

MA Attorney General’s Office
One Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 727-2200
Official Website: AG Landlord-Tenant Guide

Landlord responsibilities include:

• Multi-Family Properties: Clearing common entrances, stairways, parking lots, and walkways; maintaining all exterior shared stairs; keeping parking lots and common sidewalks free of snow and ice; ensuring curb ramps are cleared according to Weston requirements.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants may be assigned responsibility for exclusive-use driveways and stairs, but this must be detailed in a written lease. Regardless, landlords retain legal liability for compliance.

Tenant responsibilities apply only when:

• Renting a single-family home with exclusive-use driveways and private entrances
• The lease explicitly and clearly assigns snow removal duties
• Paths or outdoor areas serve only that tenant’s unit
• Areas include patios, decks, or private parking spaces for personal use

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

Weston Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Weston must be maintained to a high winter safety standard, from public sidewalks to private driveways and all pedestrian access routes. Homeowners bear full liability for slip-and-fall injuries that occur due to insufficient snow and ice removal on their property.

• Clear driveways and walkways: From sidewalks to all building entrances
• Remove snow from outdoor stairs, stoops, porches, and decks
• Clear garbage collection points, utility meters, and emergency egresses
• Treat ice with sand, salt, or traction materials
• Coordinate snow removal with municipal plowing schedules

Weston Code Enforcement Contact:
Phone: (781) 786-5020
Report online: Weston 311 System

Weston DPW maintains approximately 150 lane miles of public roadways. During plowing operations, snow may be pushed back into driveway entrances after initial clearing, requiring homeowners to perform secondary clearing. To manage this process:

• Track municipal plowing progress through the Weston Public Works website
• Delay final driveway clearing until plows have completed neighborhood routes
• Maintain a minimum 10–12 foot driveway width for vehicle access
• Designate snow storage areas away from street edges
• Never deposit snow onto public streets, as this violates municipal ordinance and is subject to fines

Residential Properties Throughout Weston Neighborhoods

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

Weston Center: Featuring historic homes and a mix of small multi-family residences, Weston Center’s older sidewalks and stone walls require careful snow removal to protect both property and public access. Narrow roadways and limited snow storage increase the need for prompt and thorough clearing.

Southside Estates: This area’s large single-family homes often have long driveways and significant frontage, demanding substantial clearing efforts. Rolling terrain and landscaping features add complexity to snow storage and access maintenance.

Silver Hill: With a mix of mid-century homes and newer builds, Silver Hill contains cul-de-sacs and curved roads that limit plow maneuverability. Homeowners must coordinate closely with plowing schedules to avoid repeated snow buildup at driveway aprons.

Cherry Brook: Characterized by a blend of traditional colonials and townhouses, Cherry Brook properties often share common driveways or access lanes. Coordination among neighbors is essential to maintain safe access and comply with snow removal ordinances.

Highland Meadows: This active adult community includes multi-family buildings with shared parking and walkways. Snow removal must address accessibility and safety for an older population, focusing on non-slip treatments and rapid response times.

Westland Neighborhood: Known for its suburban-style ranches and split-level homes, Westland’s wide lots and gentle slopes simplify plowing but require attention to mailbox access and curbside utilities.

Case Estates District: Featuring historic properties and conservation land, the Case Estates area presents preservation challenges. Snow removal must be sensitive to mature trees, stone boundaries, and protected landscapes.

North Avenue Corridor: This district’s mix of small apartment complexes and single-family homes along a busy thoroughfare means sidewalks and parking areas see heavy pedestrian and vehicle use, necessitating frequent and precise snow removal to ensure safety and ordinance compliance.