Needham Residential Snow Plowing Services

Needham Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

In Massachusetts, residential snow removal responsibilities are defined by state law and further detailed by local ordinances. 105 CMR 410.260 of the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code establishes mandatory obligations for property owners, landlords, and tenants regarding snow and ice removal, based on property type and occupancy. In Needham, these statewide requirements are supplemented by municipal regulations that require all property owners to clear sidewalks adjacent to their property within 24 hours after snowfall ends. This timeframe is enforced throughout the winter to ensure safe pedestrian passage and accessibility.

• Sidewalk clearing: Property owners must remove snow and ice from public sidewalks bordering their property within 24 hours following the end of snowfall.
• Safe access: Homeowners are responsible for maintaining safe access to all building entrances, garages, and parking facilities.
• Additional duties: Clearing must include pathways to trash collection areas, mailboxes, and emergency exits, ensuring comprehensive access throughout the property.

Neglecting these duties not only puts pedestrians and residents at risk but may also result in municipal enforcement action. For questions or compliance assistance, contact:

Needham Inspectional Services Department
500 Dedham Avenue, Needham, MA 02492
Phone: (781) 455-7550
Official Website: Inspectional Services Department

Needham Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

The Town of Needham enforces residential snow removal through its General Bylaws, Section 3.3.2, which outlines penalties for non-compliance. Property owners who fail to clear sidewalks within the required 24-hour period face escalating fines depending on property type:

• Single-family and small multi-family properties (up to 16 units): $50 per violation per day
• Large multi-family buildings (17+ units): $100 per violation per day
• Depositing snow on public streets: $100–$200 additional penalty, based on the amount and type of obstruction

Each day that a violation continues is treated as a separate offense. The enforcement process includes both proactive field inspections during and after snow events, as well as investigation of resident complaints submitted via the Needham 311 system. Inspectional Services staff document violations and issue citations accordingly.

Important Note for Landlords: Even if a lease assigns snow removal duties to tenants, Needham holds property owners responsible for sidewalk compliance. Citations are issued to owners of record, who must seek reimbursement from tenants through private legal action if necessary.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 establishes that landlords are legally responsible for keeping all means of egress—such as doorways, stairs, and walkways—free of snow and ice obstructions. These obligations cannot generally be transferred to tenants through rental agreements, except in certain single-family home situations.

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 all shared exterior stairs. They are also responsible for maintaining curb ramps and any shared access areas as required by local ordinance.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants may be assigned responsibility for driveways and private stairs via explicit written lease agreements; however, the landlord retains ultimate legal liability for ensuring compliance.

• Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants can only be assigned snow removal duties when renting single-family homes with exclusive-use driveways and entrances, and only if the lease contains a clear, written provision. These duties cannot extend to shared/common areas or paths serving multiple units.

Important: Any lease clause attempting to transfer responsibility for common areas to tenants is void under Massachusetts law.

Needham Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Needham must ensure thorough winter maintenance, extending from public sidewalks to private driveways and all pedestrian access routes. Homeowners face full liability for slip-and-fall incidents resulting from inadequate snow or ice removal on their premises.

• Driveways and walkways: Clear all driveways and walkways leading from sidewalks to building entrances.
• Outdoor stairs, stoops, porches, and decks: Remove snow and treat ice to prevent hazardous conditions.
• Utility and collection points: Ensure access to garbage collection areas, utility meters, and emergency egresses.
• Ice treatment: Use sand, salt, or other traction materials as necessary.
• Municipal coordination: Align snow removal with Needham DPW plowing schedules to avoid repeated clearing.

Needham Code Enforcement Contact:
Phone: (781) 455-7550
Report online: Needham 311 System

The Needham Department of Public Works (DPW) clears over 280 lane miles of roadway during winter storms. This plowing often results in snow being pushed back onto recently cleared driveway entrances, requiring homeowners to plan for secondary clearing after municipal plows have passed.

• Best Practices:
• Monitor plowing schedules via the Needham DPW website or local alerts.
• Delay final driveway clearing until after plows have completed your neighborhood route.
• Maintain a 10–12 foot driveway width to ensure safe vehicle access.
• Create snow storage areas within your property, away from street edges.
• Never deposit snow onto public streets, which is prohibited and subject to fines.

Residential Properties Throughout Needham Neighborhoods

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

Needham Heights: Characterized by a mix of single-family homes, older multi-family residences, and hilly streets. Steep driveways and limited street parking create challenges for snow storage and clearing, especially in densely built sections.

Mitchell School Area: Predominantly suburban single-family homes with moderate-sized lots and wide driveways. Snow removal focuses on maintaining access for multiple vehicles and ensuring safe passage along sidewalks that serve local schools.

Broadmeadow: Features a blend of mid-century homes and newer constructions on tree-lined streets. Properties often have longer driveways and require coordinated clearing to keep curb ramps and bus stops accessible for students and commuters.

Needham Center: This district includes historic homes, compact multi-family buildings, and narrow side streets. Snow removal is complicated by minimal setbacks, shared walkways, and the need to preserve historic stonework and landscaping features.

Birds Hill: A neighborhood of classic single-family homes with sloped lots and narrow access roads. Driveway gradients and limited on-site parking require careful snow management to maintain safe egress and avoid blocking public ways.

Needham Junction: Known for its blend of row houses, duplexes, and small apartment buildings. Many properties share common access points and parking areas, necessitating clear communication among residents and strict adherence to shared maintenance agreements.

West Needham: Features larger, more suburban-style properties with expansive driveways and multiple garage bays. Snow storage, driveway width, and timing of clearing are primary considerations to accommodate resident and guest vehicles.

Charles River Village: A residential area with a mix of townhomes and multi-family complexes adjacent to the river. Snow removal must account for shared spaces, environmental setbacks, and equipment access on narrow private roads.