Holbrook Residential Snow Plowing Services

Holbrook Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law provides a foundational framework for residential snow removal responsibilities across the state, establishing clear obligations for property owners, landlords, and tenants. The 105 CMR 410.260 of the State Sanitary Code details these requirements, specifying who is responsible for snow and ice removal depending on property type and occupancy. In Holbrook, these state mandates are enforced in conjunction with local ordinances, which require property owners to clear sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall has ceased. Holbrook’s municipal code further requires residents to maintain safe access to homes, garages, and parking areas throughout the winter, ensuring that all egress routes remain unobstructed and accessible. These responsibilities extend beyond sidewalk clearing to include driveways, steps, and pathways, with a focus on maintaining safety and accessibility during all winter conditions.

Holbrook Inspectional Services Department
50 North Franklin Street, Holbrook, MA 02343
Phone: (781) 767-4312
Official Website: Holbrook Inspectional Services Department

Holbrook Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Holbrook enforces its snow removal regulations through Town Code § 220-18, which outlines the penalties for non-compliance. According to the code, failure to clear snow and ice from sidewalks within 24 hours can result in penalties 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 onto public streets: $50–$200 per violation, depending on the amount and hazard created

Each day that a property owner fails to comply with the snow removal ordinance constitutes a separate violation and incurs an additional fine. Enforcement is carried out through both proactive inspection and in response to complaints submitted via the Holbrook Report a Concern system. Inspectional Services investigates reports by dispatching field inspectors, who document violations and issue citations. Property owners remain legally responsible for sidewalk clearing even if lease agreements assign the duty to tenants; the Town issues citations to the owner of record, who must seek tenant reimbursement through separate legal action if necessary.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 establishes non-transferable obligations for landlords regarding snow and ice removal. Landlords must ensure that all means of egress, including exits, stairways, and walkways, remain free from snow and ice obstructions. These responsibilities are not typically transferable to tenants via lease agreements, except under specific circumstances 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 responsible for clearing snow from all shared entrances, stairways, parking lots, walkways, and exterior stairs. This includes curb ramps as required by Holbrook ordinance. These duties cannot be delegated to tenants.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants may be assigned responsibility for snow removal on private driveways and stairs, but only when the lease contains an explicit written provision. Even then, landlords retain overall liability for compliance.
• Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants can only be assigned snow removal duties when renting single-family homes with exclusive-use access and there is a clear, written lease agreement. Responsibilities may include paths serving only that tenant, private patios, decks, or parking spaces. Lease clauses assigning shared/common area snow removal to tenants are void under MA law.

Holbrook Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Holbrook requires owner-occupied residential properties to provide comprehensive winter maintenance, covering public sidewalks, private driveways, walkways, and all pedestrian access routes. Homeowners are fully liable for slip-and-fall incidents resulting from inadequate snow removal on their property.

• Clear driveways and walkways: From the sidewalk to every building entrance
• Remove snow from stairs, stoops, porches, and decks: Ensure safe access and egress
• Clear garbage collection points, utility meters, and emergency exits: Maintain access for essential services and emergency personnel
• Treat icy surfaces: Apply sand, salt, or traction materials to minimize slip hazards
• Coordinate with municipal plowing: Adjust clearing schedules based on expected Town plow operations

Holbrook Code Enforcement Contact:
Phone: (781) 767-4312
Report online: Holbrook Report a Concern

The Holbrook Department of Public Works maintains approximately 62 lane miles of roadway, and during plowing events, windrows of snow may be deposited across previously cleared driveway entrances. Homeowners should anticipate the need for a secondary clearing after plows have passed. Best practices for driveway clearing include:

• Monitor plowing activity: Use the Holbrook DPW site or Town communication channels for updates
• Delay final clearing: Wait until plows complete neighborhood routes before a final cleanup
• Maintain driveway width: Keep at least 10–12 feet clear for vehicle access
• Plan snow storage: Move snow away from street edges to avoid re-deposit by plows
• Never deposit snow onto public streets: Doing so violates Town ordinance and is subject to fines

Residential Properties Throughout Holbrook Neighborhoods

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

Reynolds Park Area: This neighborhood features primarily single-family homes with attached garages and moderate-length driveways. Snow removal must account for sloped driveways and limited street parking, requiring efficient snow storage solutions and careful coordination with municipal plowing.

Weymouth Street Corridor: Characterized by older multi-family houses and duplexes, this district presents challenges with narrow lots, shared walkways, and limited curbside space. Clearing shared entrances and keeping common pathways accessible is crucial for compliance.

Holbrook Center Village: The historic center includes a mix of row houses, triple-deckers, and small apartment buildings. These properties often have small yards and limited on-site parking, necessitating frequent clearing of compacted snow and attention to shared sidewalk access.

South Holbrook: This suburban-style neighborhood contains cul-de-sacs and larger single-family homes, with long driveways and walkways. Snow storage and timely removal are essential to maintain emergency access throughout the winter.

Union Street District: Known for its combination of historic homes and newer multi-unit dwellings, Union Street properties may have ornate stairs, porches, and tight alleyways. Preservation of historic features requires careful snow removal techniques, while multi-family properties must prioritize shared area access.

Franklin Avenue Area: Consisting mainly of small-lot homes and some garden-style condominiums, this area faces challenges with dense housing layouts and limited snow storage. Coordination among homeowners and property managers is often necessary to clear shared spaces efficiently.

Pinecrest Neighborhood: Featuring contemporary subdivisions with attached garages and wide driveways, Pinecrest homes benefit from easier vehicle access but require diligent maintenance to keep sidewalks and curb ramps clear for pedestrians and children.

North Holbrook: A mix of older and newer developments, North Holbrook includes single-family homes, duplexes, and a few small apartment complexes. The area’s rolling terrain and variable lot sizes demand flexible snow removal strategies and attention to both private driveways and public sidewalks.