Norwell Residential Snow Plowing Services

Norwell Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law establishes a clear framework for residential snow removal, placing primary responsibility on property owners and landlords to ensure safe, accessible walkways and entrances during winter months. 105 CMR 410.260 (State Sanitary Code) defines the obligations of property owners, landlords, and tenants depending on property type and occupancy arrangements. In Norwell, these state-level requirements intersect with local ordinances mandating that sidewalks adjoining residential properties must be cleared of snow and ice within 24 hours after precipitation ends. Property owners are also responsible for maintaining safe access to homes, garages, and parking areas throughout the winter, extending beyond just the public sidewalk to include all primary means of egress and utility access points.

• Sidewalks: Property owners must clear abutting sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall ends.
• Access Routes: Safe paths must be maintained to all building entrances, driveways, garages, and parking areas.
• Additional Duties: Snow and ice must also be removed from stairs, exterior landings, and emergency exits throughout the winter season.

Norwell Inspectional Services Department
345 Main Street, Norwell, MA 02061
Phone: (781) 659-8046
Official Website: Norwell Inspectional Services Department

Norwell Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

The Town of Norwell enforces residential snow removal via local ordinance, requiring timely sidewalk clearing and prohibiting the deposit of snow onto public streets. According to Norwell General Bylaws, Section 6.5.3, failure to comply with snow removal requirements may result in the following fines:

• Single-family and small multi-family properties (16 units or fewer): $50 per violation, per day
• Large multi-family buildings (17+ units): $100 per violation, per day
• Depositing snow on public streets: $50–$100 additional penalty depending on amount and location of snow

Each day a violation continues is treated as a separate offense, compounding potential fines. Enforcement is carried out both proactively—through routine inspections—and reactively, based on complaints reported by residents. Norwell residents may file complaints via the Norwell Online Service Request System (the town does not utilize a 311 platform). Upon receiving a report, Inspectional Services will dispatch an inspector to document the violation and issue a citation if warranted. Importantly, property owners remain liable for sidewalk clearing violations even when lease agreements assign snow removal duties to tenants. Citations are issued to the owner of record, who must then seek reimbursement from tenants through separate legal proceedings.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 establishes non-negotiable responsibilities for landlords regarding snow and ice removal. Landlords must keep all means of egress—including exterior stairs, walkways, and parking areas—clear of snow and ice at all times. These obligations cannot be transferred to tenants through lease provisions, except in certain cases involving single-family homes.

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 snow removal from all common entrances, stairways, parking lots, walkways, and curb ramps. This responsibility remains regardless of lease terms.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Landlords may assign snow removal duties for private driveways and stairs to tenants, provided this is explicitly stated in a written lease agreement. However, legal liability for compliance remains with the property owner.
• Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants can only be required to remove snow when renting single-family homes with exclusive-use driveways and entrances, with clear lease provisions. Any attempt to assign shared/common area snow removal to tenants is void under state law.

Landlords must never assign responsibility for shared or common areas to tenants via lease language, as such clauses are unenforceable under Massachusetts law.

Norwell Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Norwell must maintain comprehensive wintertime access from public sidewalks to building entrances and private parking areas. Homeowners are fully liable for slip-and-fall incidents resulting from inadequate snow and ice removal. Proper maintenance reduces legal risk and ensures accessibility for residents, visitors, and emergency responders.

• Clear driveways and walkways: Ensure safe passage from the street or sidewalk to all entrances.
• Outdoor stairs, stoops, decks: Remove snow and treat ice for all exterior access points.
• Garbage and utility access: Maintain clear paths to trash collection points, utility meters, and emergency exits.
• Ice treatment: Apply sand, salt, or other traction materials as needed.
• Municipal coordination: Time snow removal to avoid repeated clearing after town plows pass.

Norwell Code Enforcement Contact:
Phone: (781) 659-8046
Report online: Norwell Online Service Request System

Norwell Department of Public Works (DPW) maintains approximately 92 lane miles of roadway. Municipal plows may deposit additional snow at driveway entrances while clearing roads. Homeowners should anticipate the need for secondary clearing after plowing operations. Best practices include:

• Monitor plowing progress: Use the Norwell DPW website for updates on plowing schedules.
• Delay final clearing: Wait until plows have completed your street before finishing driveway and sidewalk clearing.
• Maintain driveway width: Keep driveways at least 10-12 feet wide for safe vehicle passage.
• Snow storage: Pile snow away from street edges and never deposit snow onto public roadways (subject to fines).

Residential Properties Throughout Norwell Neighborhoods

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

Norwell Center: Featuring historic homes with narrow driveways and mature trees, Norwell Center properties require careful snow removal to maintain access and protect landscaping. Shared sidewalks and limited snow storage increase complexity for property owners.

Wildcat Hill: This residential area consists primarily of single-family homes with long private driveways and sloped yards. Homeowners must address drifting snow and icy conditions on hilly terrain, as well as ensure access for emergency vehicles.

Assinippi: Characterized by a mix of older homes and newer developments, Assinippi presents challenges with varied driveway lengths and shared private roads. Coordination among neighbors may be necessary for common access points and shared snow storage.

South Norwell: Suburban developments in South Norwell typically feature wide streets and attached garages, but large corner lots and cul-de-sacs create additional snow storage and access concerns. Proper clearing of mailbox areas and curb ramps is essential.

Stetson Meadows: Densely built neighborhoods in Stetson Meadows often have limited parking and narrow access routes. Townhouse-style properties and multi-family complexes require coordinated snow removal for shared walkways and communal parking lots.

River Street Corridor: Homes along the River Street area face unique issues with steep driveways and proximity to wetlands, making ice mitigation and safe access a priority. Snow storage must be managed to prevent runoff into sensitive areas.

Jacob's Pond: This neighborhood features a mix of single-family and age-restricted multi-family residences. Accessibility standards for senior residents require thorough clearing of walkways, ramps, and accessible parking spaces.

High Street Estates: High Street Estates comprises newer homes on private roads with homeowner association (HOA) oversight. Residents must coordinate with HOAs for snow removal of shared streets, while remaining responsible for individual driveways and paths.