Medfield Residential Snow Plowing Services

Medfield Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law establishes a clear legal framework for residential snow removal responsibilities, with 105 CMR 410.260 defining the obligations of property owners, landlords, and tenants based on property type and occupancy arrangements. In Medfield, these state regulations are further enforced and clarified by local municipal ordinances. According to the Town of Medfield General Bylaws, property owners must clear snow and ice from adjacent sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall ends. Beyond sidewalks, homeowners are also required to maintain safe access to homes, garages, and parking facilities throughout the winter months to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.

• Sidewalks: Must be cleared to a minimum width of three feet within 24 hours of the end of snowfall.
• Entrances and Exits: All means of egress, including front and rear doors, must remain accessible and free from snow and ice accumulation.
• Garages and Parking: Safe access must be maintained to private garages and off-street parking areas.
• Public Ways: Snow should not be deposited onto public streets or sidewalks, as this creates additional hazards and violates local ordinance.

Medfield Inspectional Services Department
Town Hall, 459 Main Street, Medfield, MA 02052
Phone: (508) 906-3005
Official Website: Medfield Inspectional Services Department

Medfield Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

The Medfield General Bylaws outline fines for non-compliance with residential snow removal requirements. For single-family homes and small multi-family properties (up to 16 units), the penalty is $50 per violation per day. For large multi-family buildings (17 or more units), the penalty increases to $100 per violation per day. Each day that a property remains out of compliance is considered a separate violation, resulting in cumulative fines. Depositing snow onto public streets is prohibited and subject to an additional penalty ranging from $50 to $200 depending on the volume and impact.

• Single-family and small multi-family: $50 per violation per day.
• Large multi-family buildings: $100 per violation per day.
• Depositing snow on streets: $50-$200 per incident.

Enforcement is carried out through a combination of proactive inspections and complaint-driven citations. Residents can file reports using the Medfield 311 System. Inspectional Services investigates complaints, documents violations, and issues citations accordingly. Importantly, property owners remain liable for sidewalk clearing violations even if their lease agreements assign snow removal tasks to tenants. The City issues citations directly to the owner of record, who must seek reimbursement from tenants through separate legal channels if applicable.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 requires landlords to keep all means of egress free from snow and ice, a responsibility that cannot be transferred to tenants for shared or common areas. Lease agreements may assign responsibility for private areas in single-family homes, but landlords retain ultimate liability for code compliance.

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 common entrances, stairways, parking lots, walkways, and exterior stairs. This includes curb ramps as required by Medfield ordinances.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants may be assigned responsibility for private driveways and stairs through a written lease, but landlords remain liable for code compliance.
• Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants are only responsible for snow removal when:
• They rent a single-family home with exclusive-use driveways and entrances.
• The lease explicitly assigns snow removal duties for specific areas.
• The paths serve only their unit and are not shared with others.
• They use personal patios, decks, or parking spaces.
• Important: Landlords cannot transfer responsibility for shared or common areas to tenants via lease provisions; such clauses are void under Massachusetts law.

Medfield Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Medfield require year-round winter maintenance, extending from public sidewalks to driveways, pedestrian walkways, and all points of building access. Homeowners are fully liable for slip-and-fall injuries that result from inadequate snow or ice removal on their property.

• Clear driveways and walkways: Ensure all paths from sidewalks to building entrances are cleared to a safe width.
• Remove snow from outdoor stairs, stoops, and decks: All exterior access points must remain safe and passable.
• Clear garbage collection points and utility meters: Provide clear access to waste collection and utility services.
• Treat ice: Use sand, salt, or traction materials to address slippery surfaces.
• Coordinate with municipal plowing: Anticipate the need for secondary clearing after municipal snow plows pass.

Medfield Code Enforcement Contact:
Phone: (508) 906-3005
Report online: Medfield 311 System

Medfield Public Works maintains approximately 80 lane miles of roadway during snow events. Plowing operations inevitably deposit additional snow at driveway entrances, requiring residents to clear these areas again after plows have completed their routes. Residents should monitor plowing updates via the Medfield DPW website and delay final clearing until plows have passed.

• Driveway width: Maintain at least 10-12 feet of clear driveway width for vehicle access.
• Snow storage: Create piles away from street edges to avoid re-deposition by plows.
• Ordinance compliance: Never deposit snow onto public streets, as this is a violation subject to fines.

Residential Properties Throughout Medfield Neighborhoods

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

Medfield Center Historic District: This area features older single-family homes and preserved historic residences. Narrow sidewalks, brick walkways, and mature trees require careful snow clearing to maintain accessibility and avoid property damage. Preservation guidelines may limit the use of certain snow removal equipment.

Harding Street Corridor: Characterized by mid-century ranch houses and multi-family dwellings, this district often faces challenges with driveway slopes and limited on-street parking. Shared parking areas and interconnected walkways require coordinated snow removal efforts among residents and property managers.

North Medfield Suburban Neighborhoods: These newer developments consist mainly of large single-family homes with long driveways and cul-de-sacs. Ample snow storage space is available, but the length of driveways increases the workload for homeowners. Plow coordination is essential to avoid repeated clearing after municipal service.

South Street Village Area: This neighborhood contains a mix of row houses, duplexes, and compact lots with narrow access routes. Limited snow storage and tightly clustered homes present unique challenges during heavy snowfall, making efficient and timely snow removal critical for safety.

Hospital Hill: With a concentration of multi-family buildings and apartment complexes, Hospital Hill necessitates attention to shared stairways, parking lots, and walkways. Property owners must ensure all common areas are kept free of snow and ice, particularly in high-traffic sections.

West Medfield Country Estates: Featuring larger estate-style homes, these properties have expansive driveways and private access roads. Snow storage and equipment access are less constrained, but the scale of snow removal requires significant effort or professional service coordination.

Indian Hill Neighborhood: Known for its hilly topography and winding roads, Indian Hill presents steep driveways and challenging snow clearing conditions. Homeowners must manage both slip hazards and snow runoff, often requiring the use of traction materials in addition to removal.

Millbrook Road Area: A blend of traditional colonial homes and newer builds, this section features a mix of property sizes and terrain. Coordination among neighbors for shared driveway and sidewalk access is common, especially during significant snow events.