Woburn Residential Snow Plowing Services

Woburn Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Residential snow removal requirements in Woburn, MA are established by Massachusetts law and enforced through municipal ordinances. 105 CMR 410.260 provides the core legal framework for property owners, landlords, and tenants, defining obligations based on property type and occupancy. In Woburn, municipal code requires property owners to clear sidewalks abutting their property within 24 hours after snowfall has ended. State and local regulations work together to ensure that all public walkways, building entrances, and access routes remain safe and accessible throughout the winter season. Homeowners are also responsible for clearing snow and ice from driveways, stairs, garages, parking facilities, and all means of egress in addition to public sidewalks.

Woburn Inspectional Services Department
10 Common Street, Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: (781) 897-5840
Official Website: Woburn Inspectional Services Department

Woburn Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Woburn enforces snow removal through Municipal Code Chapter 13, Section 13-8, which mandates timely clearing of sidewalks and prohibits depositing snow onto public streets. Failure to remove snow within 24 hours after a storm ends results in fines based on property type:

• Single-family and small multi-family properties (up to 16 units): $50 per violation
• Large multi-family buildings (17+ units): $100 per violation
• Each day of non-compliance: Treated as a separate violation, accruing additional fines
• Depositing snow on streets: $50–$200 per incident, depending on severity and volume

Enforcement includes both proactive field inspections and investigation of citizen complaints submitted through the Woburn 311 system. Inspectional Services documents violations, issues citations, and maintains records of compliance. Property owners are held liable for sidewalk violations even if lease agreements assign removal duties to tenants. The city issues citations to the owner of record, who must pursue reimbursement from tenants separately if applicable.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

Under the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260, landlords are legally required to keep all means of egress, including sidewalks, stairs, and exits, free from snow and ice. This obligation cannot be transferred to tenants through lease provisions for most multi-unit properties. Landlords must ensure safe access at all times, and failure to comply may result in legal liability and fines.

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 common entrances, stairways, parking lots, walkways, and curb ramps. This includes exterior shared stairs and all areas used by multiple tenants.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants may be assigned responsibility for private driveways and exclusive-use stairs only if the lease explicitly states so in writing. Even then, landlords retain ultimate liability for compliance.
• Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants can only be required to remove snow from personal-use areas (such as a private driveway or entrance) in single-family homes if the lease explicitly specifies this. Shared/common areas always remain the landlord’s responsibility.

It is important to note that any lease clause attempting to transfer responsibility for shared or common area snow removal to tenants is void under Massachusetts law.

Woburn Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Woburn homeowners must perform comprehensive winter maintenance extending from public sidewalks to private driveways and all pedestrian access routes. Property owners are fully liable for slip-and-fall injuries resulting from insufficient snow or ice removal on their premises.

• Clear driveways, walkways, and building entrances: Maintain unobstructed access from sidewalk to all doors.
• Remove snow from outdoor stairs, stoops, porches, and decks: Prevent accumulation and ice formation on all entry points.
• Clear garbage collection points, utility meters, and emergency exits: Ensure safe and accessible routes for services and emergencies.
• Treat ice promptly: Use sand, salt, or traction materials as needed.
• Coordinate with municipal plowing schedules: Anticipate plow activity and plan secondary clearing as necessary.

Woburn Code Enforcement Contact:
Phone: (781) 897-5840
Report online: Woburn 311 System

Woburn Public Works plows over 180 lane miles of roadway, which often results in snow being deposited back across cleared driveway entrances. Homeowners should plan for additional clearing after plows have passed. Best practices include monitoring plowing status via the Woburn city website, delaying final driveway clearing until plowing is complete, maintaining at least a 10–12 foot width for vehicle access, and creating snow storage areas away from street edges. Depositing snow onto public streets is strictly prohibited and subject to city fines.

Residential Properties Throughout Woburn Neighborhoods

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

North Woburn: This area features a mix of traditional single-family homes and duplexes, with long driveways and mature trees that can complicate snow placement. Narrow streets and clustered parking require careful coordination to maintain access.

South End: Predominantly suburban in character, the South End includes cul-de-sacs and larger lots. Homeowners often face wide driveway entrances and must manage large snow volumes, especially around corner lots and mailbox clusters.

Downtown Woburn: Characterized by historic row houses, triple-deckers, and mixed-use buildings, downtown properties must manage narrow sidewalks, on-street parking, and limited snow storage. Special attention is needed for shared walkways and accessibility compliance.

Horn Pond Area: This neighborhood includes both historic homes and newer single-family developments. Sloping terrain and proximity to conservation land require careful planning for snow storage and runoff management.

Central Square: Multi-family apartment complexes and condominium developments dominate this area, with shared parking facilities and extensive common walkways. Snow removal must be coordinated to ensure all residents have access and egress after storms.

Montvale: Suburban subdivisions with attached garages and driveways are common in Montvale. Wide streets allow for easier snow placement, but driveways can be long, requiring additional time and attention after municipal plowing.

West Woburn: Featuring newer residential developments with multi-car garages and larger parcels, West Woburn properties benefit from ample snow storage space but must still clear sidewalks and curb ramps per city code.

Green Street Corridor: This area includes a blend of single-family homes and smaller multi-family buildings. Narrow streets and minimal setbacks create challenges for snow storage, requiring efficient clearing strategies and coordination among neighbors.