Milton Residential Snow Plowing Services

Milton Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

In Massachusetts, residential snow removal responsibilities are established by state law and further defined by local ordinances. The 105 CMR 410.260 Massachusetts State Sanitary Code requires property owners, landlords, and tenants to maintain safe and accessible premises, with specific obligations depending on occupancy and property type. In Milton, these state regulations intersect with the town’s own snow removal bylaws, which require that public sidewalks adjacent to residential properties be cleared of snow and ice within 24 hours after snowfall ends. This applies to all residential property owners, including single-family homes, condominiums, and multi-family dwellings. Beyond sidewalk clearance, homeowners must also maintain safe access to their homes, garages, parking areas, and all means of egress during the winter months.

• State Law Compliance: Property owners must provide safe passage on sidewalks and building access routes per 105 CMR 410.260.
• Milton Ordinance: Snow and ice must be removed from sidewalks within 24 hours following the end of snowfall.
• Additional Duties: Safe access to entrances, parking, and garages must be maintained at all times throughout the winter.

Milton Inspectional Services Department
525 Canton Avenue, Milton, MA 02186
Phone: (617) 898-4925
Official Website: Milton Inspectional Services Department

Milton Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Milton’s snow removal requirements are enforced under the Town Bylaws, specifically General Bylaws Chapter 18, Section 5. Failure to remove snow and ice from sidewalks within the required 24-hour period will result in municipal fines. The fine structure is as follows:

• Single-family and small multi-family (≤16 units): $25 per violation, per day
• Large multi-family buildings (17+ units): $50 per violation, per day
• Depositing snow on streets: $50–$100 additional penalty depending on the amount and location

Each day of non-compliance constitutes a separate violation and may result in additional fines for ongoing infractions. Enforcement includes both proactive inspections by the Inspectional Services Department and complaint-driven citations. Residents may file reports through the Milton 311 System, after which field inspectors document and issue citations as appropriate. It is important to note that property owners remain liable for violations even if lease agreements assign snow removal to tenants; the Town issues citations to owners of record, who must then seek reimbursement from tenants through separate legal action.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 outlines non-negotiable landlord responsibilities for removing snow and ice from all means of egress in residential buildings. These duties cannot be transferred to tenants through lease provisions in most circumstances. Landlords must keep exterior exits, stairways, and walkways free from snow and ice to maintain safe access 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, stairs, parking lots, walkways, and curb ramps as required by Milton ordinance.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants may be assigned responsibility for private driveways and stairs if the lease explicitly states this; however, landlords retain ultimate liability for code compliance.
• Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants are only responsible for snow removal when they rent a single-family home, have exclusive-use areas, and the lease specifically assigns these duties. Shared or common areas remain the landlord’s responsibility, regardless of lease terms.

It is critical to understand that any lease clause attempting to transfer responsibility for shared or common areas is void under Massachusetts law. Landlords have a legal obligation to ensure safe and accessible premises for all occupants.

Milton Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Milton are required to provide comprehensive winter maintenance from the public sidewalk to private driveways and all pedestrian access routes. Homeowners maintain full liability for slip-and-fall incidents attributable to inadequate snow or ice removal.

• Clear driveways and walkways: Maintain clear pathways from the sidewalk to every building entrance.
• Remove snow from stairs, stoops, porches, and decks: Ensure all means of egress are accessible.
• Clear garbage collection points, utility meters, and emergency exits: Maintain access for essential services and safety.
• Treat ice: Apply sand, salt, or other traction materials as needed to prevent hazardous conditions.
• Coordinate with municipal plowing: Schedule final clearing after municipal plows have completed their route.

Milton Code Enforcement Contact
Phone: (617) 898-4925
Report online: Milton 311 System

Milton Public Works operates and plows approximately 190 lane miles of roadway. As a result, municipal plowing frequently deposits snow across previously cleared driveway entrances. Homeowners are advised to delay final clearing of driveways until plows have finished in their neighborhoods and to monitor plowing progress via the Milton DPW website. Best practices include maintaining a driveway width of 10 to 12 feet, creating snow storage areas away from street edges, and never depositing snow onto public streets, which is prohibited and subject to fines.

Residential Properties Throughout Milton Neighborhoods

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

East Milton Square: This neighborhood features a mix of single-family homes and small multi-family buildings along narrow streets. The limited on-street parking and close proximity of homes require precise snow clearing and careful snow storage solutions to ensure pedestrian and vehicular access.

Milton Hill: Known for historic homes and tree-lined avenues, Milton Hill presents challenges related to preservation requirements and older infrastructure. Driveways may be steep or curved, demanding specialized equipment and techniques for effective snow removal.

Lower Mills: This area comprises multi-family properties, triple-deckers, and some commercial-residential mixed use. Shared driveways, common walkways, and limited snow storage demand coordinated clearing efforts, particularly for landlord-managed buildings.

Columbine-Cliff Estates: A predominantly single-family, suburban-style district with wide lots and longer driveways. Homeowners must account for both driveway length and the additional accumulation caused by municipal plowing along main and side streets.

Brush Hill Road Corridor: Large historic estates and homes with extended private drives are common here. The scale of these properties and the potential for steep inclines require robust snow removal plans and attention to access for emergency vehicles.

Blue Hills Area: This neighborhood includes homes on or near sloped terrain, where snow and ice accumulation can create hazardous conditions. Access to garages and parking pads may be limited, necessitating vigilant maintenance and ice treatment.

Readville/Edge Hill: With a blend of row houses, townhomes, and small apartment complexes, Edge Hill’s shared spaces and narrow access ways require landlords and property managers to coordinate timely snow and ice removal for safety and compliance.

Cunningham Park Vicinity: Featuring mid-century homes on moderate lots, this residential area must manage both sidewalk and driveway snow, with attention to maintaining access to public parks and recreation amenities for the community.