Duxbury Residential Snow Plowing Services

Duxbury Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law provides the legal framework for residential snow removal responsibilities, which all Duxbury property owners must follow. 105 CMR 410.260 specifically defines the obligations of property owners, landlords, and tenants depending on property type and occupancy. In Duxbury, these state requirements intersect with municipal ordinances, which currently require residents to clear sidewalks adjoining their property within 24 hours after snowfall ends. Beyond sidewalk clearing, homeowners are responsible for maintaining safe and accessible routes to all home entrances, garages, and any parking facilities throughout the winter to minimize hazards for residents and visitors. This includes regularly monitoring walkways, steps, and driveways for ice or snow accumulation.

• Sidewalk Clearing: Sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours of the end of snowfall, per Duxbury bylaw.
• Access Routes: Maintain safe and passable access to all building entrances, garages, and parking areas.
• Winter Maintenance: Regularly treat icy surfaces and remove snow from walkways, stairs, and driveways.

Duxbury Inspectional Services Department
878 Tremont Street, Duxbury, MA 02332
Phone: (781) 934-1100
Official Website: Duxbury Building Department

Duxbury Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Duxbury’s residential snow removal requirements are enforced under its municipal code, which outlines penalties for violations. According to Section 6.5 of the Duxbury General Bylaws, failure to clear sidewalks can result in fines as follows:

• Single-family and small multi-family properties (≤16 units): $50 per violation.
• Large multi-family buildings (17+ units): $100 per violation.
• Depositing snow on public streets: $25–$100 additional penalty depending on the amount and location.
• Ongoing Violations: Each day of non-compliance constitutes a separate violation and incurs additional fines.

Enforcement is carried out through a combination of proactive field inspections and complaint-driven citations. Residents can report violations using the Duxbury 311 online system, after which Inspectional Services investigates and documents the situation before issuing citations. Property owners are ultimately responsible for compliance. Even when lease agreements assign snow removal duties to tenants, the city issues citations to owners of record, who must pursue reimbursement from tenants independently if necessary.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 establishes that landlords must keep all means of egress free from snow and ice, and these responsibilities cannot be transferred to tenants through lease provisions in most circumstances. Landlords are required to ensure safe, unobstructed access to and from all rental properties at all times.

MA Attorney General’s Office
One Ashburton Place, Boston, 02108
Phone: (617) 727-2200
Official Website: AG Landlord-Tenant Guide

• Multi-Family Properties: Landlords are responsible for clearing common entrances, shared stairways, parking lots, walkways, and curb ramps in accordance with Duxbury’s requirements.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants may be assigned responsibility for private driveways and stairs, but only when stipulated in a written lease. Landlords retain liability even when delegating these duties.
• Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants can only be tasked with snow removal if they rent a single-family home with exclusive-use driveways and entrances, the lease contains an explicit written assignment, and the paths in question serve only that tenant’s unit. Landlords cannot transfer responsibility for shared or common areas through lease provisions; such clauses are void.

Duxbury Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied homes in Duxbury are required to maintain all pedestrian and vehicle access routes, from public sidewalks to private driveways, throughout the winter. Homeowners are fully liable for slip-and-fall incidents resulting from inadequate snow or ice removal on their property.

• Clear driveways and walkways: Ensure unobstructed routes from sidewalks to all building entrances.
• Remove snow from stairs, stoops, porches, and decks: Pay extra attention to outdoor steps and elevated surfaces.
• Access to garbage collection and utilities: Keep garbage bins, utility meters, and emergency egress points accessible.
• Treat ice hazards: Use sand, salt, or traction materials to reduce slip risk.
• Coordinate with municipal plowing: Know when public plows will operate in your area and plan secondary clearing as needed.

Duxbury Code Enforcement Contact:
Phone: (781) 934-1100
Report online: Duxbury 311 System

The Duxbury Department of Public Works (DPW) maintains over 160 lane miles of roadways, and municipal plowing can result in snow being pushed back across previously cleared driveway entrances. Homeowners should anticipate additional shoveling after plows have passed. It is recommended to monitor municipal plowing activity via the Duxbury DPW website and delay final driveway clearing until plow trucks have completed neighborhood routes. Maintain a minimum 10–12 foot driveway width for emergency and vehicle access, store snow away from street edges, and never deposit snow onto public roadways, as this violates local ordinance and is subject to fines.

Residential Properties Throughout Duxbury Neighborhoods

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

Duxbury Village Center: This historic district features older single-family homes and preserved colonial-era properties, often with narrow driveways and limited snow storage. Careful snow removal is required to protect historic features and maintain access along brick walkways.

Bay Farm: A suburban-style development with cul-de-sacs and wide driveways, Bay Farm homes typically have attached garages and larger front yards. Snow storage planning is essential to prevent blocking sidewalks and mailboxes.

Tinkertown: Characterized by rolling terrain and a mix of single-family homes and small multi-family buildings, Tinkertown presents steep driveways and sloped walkways, demanding extra attention to ice control and safe vehicle access.

South Duxbury: This coastal neighborhood includes a mix of year-round residences and summer cottages, often with sandy or gravel driveways and limited off-street parking. Snow removal must balance access with preservation of landscape features.

Hall’s Corner: The commercial and residential hub features multi-family buildings, row houses, and mixed-use structures with shared parking lots and sidewalks. Coordinated removal and compliance with accessibility rules are critical in these high-traffic areas.

King Caesar Road District: A blend of waterfront homes and historic estates, this area includes private roads and shared driveways. Residents must coordinate snow removal to maintain access for emergency vehicles and service providers.

Island Creek: Featuring both townhomes and apartment complexes, Island Creek properties share common walkways, parking areas, and curb ramps. Property managers must maintain all shared access routes according to municipal and state code.

Upper Chestnut Street: With larger lots, mature landscaping, and longer driveways, this residential zone requires strategic snow placement and regular monitoring for downed branches or blocked access during heavy storms.