Stoughton Residential Snow Plowing Services

Stoughton Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law provides the foundation for residential snow removal obligations throughout the state, with 105 CMR 410.260 outlining the responsibilities of property owners, landlords, and tenants based on occupancy and property type. In Stoughton, these state requirements intersect with the town’s own snow removal ordinances, which mandate that property owners clear snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their property within 24 hours after snowfall ends. Compliance ensures safe pedestrian passage and reduces liability risk. Beyond sidewalks, Stoughton homeowners are also required to maintain safe access to all building entrances, garages, driveways, and parking facilities throughout the winter months.

• 105 CMR 410.260: Sets expectations for egress, sidewalk, and access clearing for all residential properties.
• Stoughton Ordinances: Require clearing snow and ice from public sidewalks within 24 hours of storm cessation; extensions may apply for severe storms or ice conditions.
• Additional Duties: Property owners must ensure safe access to homes, garages, and all points of entry and exit, as well as maintain clear pathways to trash and recycling areas.

Stoughton Inspectional Services Department
10 Pearl Street, Stoughton, MA 02072
Phone: (781) 341-1300 ext. 9220
Official Website: Stoughton Inspectional Services Department

Stoughton Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

The Town of Stoughton enforces snow removal regulations under the Code of the Town of Stoughton, Chapter 235, Section 3 (Town Ordinance: Sidewalks to be cleared of snow and ice). Fines are assessed for failure to comply with residential snow removal requirements:

• 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 on streets: $50-$100 additional penalty depending on amount and obstruction caused

Each day that a violation persists constitutes a separate offense and will incur additional fines. Enforcement is conducted through both proactive inspections and complaint-driven reports. Residents can report violations using the Stoughton SeeClickFix 311 system. Inspectional Services investigates reports, documents conditions, and issues citations as needed. Field inspectors photograph violations and file reports that are processed by the town’s code enforcement office.

Important note for landlords: Property owners of record are liable for sidewalk snow removal violations, even if their lease assigns responsibility to tenants. The Town issues citations directly to the owner, who must seek reimbursement from tenants through separate legal action if necessary.

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, and these obligations generally cannot be shifted to tenants through lease language, especially in multi-family buildings. Landlords must ensure that all shared areas, entrances, and paths used by tenants remain accessible and safe during winter months.

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 snow and ice from common entrances, stairways, exterior shared stairs, parking lots, walkways, and curb ramps in accordance with Stoughton ordinances.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants may be assigned responsibility for private driveways and stairs only with a written lease agreement. However, the landlord still retains ultimate liability for ensuring proper snow removal.
• Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants can only be held responsible for snow removal when renting single-family homes with exclusive-use entrances and driveways, explicitly stated in the lease, and when paths serve only their unit.
• Shared/Common Areas: Landlords cannot transfer responsibility for shared areas through lease provisions; such clauses are void under Massachusetts law.

Stoughton Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Stoughton are required to provide comprehensive winter maintenance extending from public sidewalks to private driveways and all pedestrian access routes. Homeowners are fully liable for injuries or accidents resulting from inadequate snow or ice removal on their premises.

• Clear driveways and walkways: Remove snow from sidewalks to all building entrances and maintain a clear path at least 10-12 feet wide for vehicle access.
• Outdoor stairs, stoops, porches, decks: All outdoor steps and landings must be free of snow and ice.
• Garbage and utility access: Keep garbage collection points, utility meters, and emergency egresses accessible at all times.
• Ice treatment: Apply sand, salt, or traction materials to icy surfaces as needed.
• Municipal plowing coordination: Monitor town plowing via the Stoughton DPW website and delay final clearing until plows finish neighborhood routes. Anticipate secondary clearing needs after plows deposit snow at driveway entrances. Never deposit snow into public streets to avoid fines.

Stoughton Code Enforcement Contact:
Phone: (781) 341-1300 ext. 9220
Report online: Stoughton 311 System

Stoughton Public Works maintains approximately 160 lane miles of roadway. Plowing operations may result in snow being pushed back onto already-cleared driveway entrances, requiring homeowners to perform additional clearing. For best results, residents should monitor plow status through the town’s website or app and plan clearing accordingly. Snow storage should be managed to avoid street edges and maintain clear sightlines for vehicles.

Residential Properties Throughout Stoughton Neighborhoods

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

South Stoughton Single-Family Homes: Predominantly suburban-style neighborhoods with wide driveways, detached garages, and generous frontage. Snow storage can be challenging after significant storms, and care must be taken to keep sidewalks and multiple driveway entrances clear.

Downtown Stoughton Multi-Family Buildings: Characterized by low-rise apartment complexes and triple-deckers with shared walkways and limited off-street parking. Snow removal must prioritize common entrances and maintain safe access for all residents, with special attention to curb ramps and sidewalks with high pedestrian traffic.

Cedar Hill Historic District: Features older homes with narrow driveways, stone walkways, and preservation requirements that may restrict equipment use. Extra coordination is needed to protect landscaping and historic features while ensuring access and safety.

West Stoughton Cul-de-Sacs: Modern subdivisions with circular street layouts, multiple curb cuts, and shared green spaces. Driveway clearing is complicated by closely spaced driveways and limited snow storage areas.

Wilkins Glen Townhouse Developments: Row house-style townhomes with assigned parking spaces and shared walkways. Snow removal must address both private entryways and shared paths; equipment size is often limited by narrow access points.

North Stoughton Rural Properties: Larger lots with long driveways, private roads, and limited municipal sidewalk coverage. Homeowners must frequently clear significant areas and coordinate with the town for safe roadway access.

Stoughton Center Mixed-Use Blocks: Blend of residential apartments above commercial spaces, with rear parking lots and alleyway access. Snow removal requires coordinated efforts to maintain both business and residential egress, especially in areas with high vehicle and pedestrian movement.

Turnpike Street Transitional Areas: Includes both single-family and small multi-unit properties along a busy arterial route. Driveway and sidewalk access are affected by heavy municipal plowing, requiring diligent secondary clearing and careful snow placement away from the roadway.