Boston Residential Snow Plowing Services

Framingham Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law establishes the framework for residential snow removal responsibilities, and all property owners in Framingham must comply with both state and local regulations. The 105 CMR 410.260 (State Sanitary Code) defines obligations for property owners, landlords, and tenants based on property type and occupancy. In Framingham, city ordinances require that snow and ice be removed from sidewalks abutting residential properties within 12 hours after snow has ceased to fall. These local rules intersect with state law, ensuring public walkways remain safe and accessible for all residents. In addition to sidewalk clearing, homeowners are responsible for maintaining safe access routes to homes, garages, parking areas, and other building entrances throughout the winter months.

Additional duties include keeping all egress points, stairs, and access routes free of accumulations, and ensuring that snow removal does not create hazards for pedestrians or emergency responders. Property owners must also prevent the formation of ice by applying sand, salt, or similar materials.

Framingham Inspectional Services Department
150 Concord Street, Room 205, Framingham, MA 01702
Phone: (508) 532-5500
Official Website: Inspectional Services Department

Framingham Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Framingham's snow removal ordinance (City Code § 87-2) outlines specific penalties for non-compliance. For residential properties, the fine structure is as follows:

• Single-family and small multi-family properties (≤16 units): $50 per violation, per day
• Large multi-family buildings (17+ units): $100 per violation, per day
• Depositing snow on public streets: $100-$300 additional penalty, depending on volume and circumstances

Each day that a violation continues is considered a separate offense, resulting in cumulative fines. The enforcement process includes both proactive inspections and complaint-driven citations. Residents can report violations through the Framingham 311 system (submit a request online), which are then investigated by Inspectional Services field inspectors. Inspectors document violations, issue citations, and ensure compliance through follow-up visits.

Important landlord note: Even if a lease assigns snow removal responsibilities to tenants, the property owner of record remains liable for sidewalk clearing violations. The City issues citations to owners, who must seek reimbursement from tenants through separate legal proceedings.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 establishes that landlords are required to keep all means of egress free from snow and ice. These responsibilities generally cannot be transferred to tenants through lease provisions, except in limited single-family rental situations.

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

Landlord responsibilities include:

• Multi-Family Properties: Clearing common entrances, stairways, parking lots, walkways, exterior shared stairs, parking lots, sidewalks, and curb ramps as required by Framingham ordinances.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Landlords may assign responsibility for private driveways and stairs to tenants through a written lease, but retain legal liability for compliance.

Tenant responsibilities apply only when:

• Renting a single-family home with exclusive-use driveways and entrances
• Lease contains an explicit written assignment of snow removal duties
• Paths serve only that tenant’s unit (not shared areas)
• Personal-use areas such as patios, decks, or private parking spaces

Landlords cannot transfer responsibility for shared or common areas to tenants via lease clauses. Such provisions are void under Massachusetts law.

Framingham Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Framingham require comprehensive winter maintenance, extending from public sidewalks to private driveways and all pedestrian access routes. Homeowners are fully liable for any slip-and-fall incidents caused by inadequate snow or ice removal on their property.

• Clear driveways and walkways from public sidewalks to all building entrances
• Remove snow from outdoor stairs, stoops, porches, and decks
• Clear garbage collection points, utility meters, and emergency exits
• Treat ice with sand, salt, or traction material
• Coordinate timing with municipal plowing schedules

Framingham Code Enforcement Contact:
Phone: (508) 532-5500
Report online: Framingham 311 System

Framingham Department of Public Works (DPW) maintains over 500 lane miles of roadways. Municipal plowing frequently results in snow being pushed back across previously cleared driveway entrances. Homeowners should plan for a second round of clearing after city plows have completed their route.

• Monitor plowing status via the Framingham DPW website
• Delay final clearing until plows finish in your neighborhood
• Maintain a 10-12 foot driveway width for safe vehicle access
• Create snow storage away from the edge of the street
• Never deposit snow onto public streets (subject to fines under city ordinance)

Residential Properties Throughout Framingham Neighborhoods

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

Nobscot Village: Characterized by spacious single-family homes on larger lots, often with long driveways and substantial frontage. Snow removal is complicated by wide curb cuts and the need for effective snow storage away from the street.

Saxonville: Features a mix of historic mill housing, triple-deckers, and compact multi-family structures. Narrow streets and limited off-street parking require careful coordination to ensure sidewalk and stairway access remains clear.

Downtown Framingham: Densely built with row houses, small apartment buildings, and mixed-use properties. Sidewalks are heavily trafficked, and snow storage is limited, requiring prompt and thorough clearing to meet accessibility standards.

North Framingham (Frost Street/Edgell Road area): Suburban-style developments with attached garages and moderately sloped driveways. Homeowners must manage both driveway and sidewalk snow, as well as shared neighborhood walkways.

South Framingham: Includes single-family homes, two-family houses, and older multi-unit dwellings. Sloped lots and mature trees can create additional challenges for snow and ice control, especially near intersections and bus stops.

West Framingham (Bates/Salem End Road area): Predominantly larger single-family residences and cul-de-sacs, with longer driveways and private roadways. Effective coordination with municipal plowing is essential to prevent driveways from being blocked by secondary snow accumulation.

Tripoli/Coburnville: Historic districts with a combination of older homes, duplexes, and small apartment buildings. Preserving historic features and ensuring safe access to elevated porches and rear alleys are unique winter challenges.

Learned Pond Area: A mix of lakeside residences and seasonal cottages, many with limited parking and narrow access lanes. Snow removal must address both vehicular access and protection of sensitive environmental areas adjacent to the water.