Everett Residential Snow Plowing Services

Everett Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law provides the foundation for snow removal responsibilities at all residential properties, establishing clear frameworks for homeowners, landlords, and tenants. The 105 CMR 410.260 Massachusetts State Sanitary Code outlines essential obligations for maintaining safe, accessible property conditions throughout the winter. In Everett, MA, these state requirements are reinforced by municipal ordinances, which mandate that all property owners must clear snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their properties within six (6) hours of the end of a snowfall, or by 10:00 AM if the snow has fallen overnight. In addition to sidewalk clearing, Everett homeowners are responsible for ensuring safe access to all entrances, garages, parking facilities, and emergency exits, keeping routes clear and passable for residents and visitors during winter months.

Everett Inspectional Services Department
484 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149
Phone: (617) 394-2220
Official Website: Everett Inspectional Services Department

Everett Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Everett’s snow removal ordinance (Code of Ordinances Sec. 13-33) establishes enforcement and penalties for property owners who fail to comply. The fine structure is as follows:

• Single-family and small multi-family properties (16 units or fewer): $50 per violation per day
• Large multi-family buildings (17+ units): $100 per violation per day
• Depositing snow on streets: $50–$200 additional penalty depending on volume and circumstances

Each day of non-compliance constitutes a separate offense, with new fines assessed daily until the violation is corrected. Enforcement is carried out through a combination of proactive city inspections and complaint-driven citations. Reports of unshoveled sidewalks or illegal snow dumping can be filed through the Everett 311 system, after which Inspectional Services investigates, documents, and issues citations as warranted. Field inspectors record violations and provide written notice to the property owner of record. It is important for landlords to note that, regardless of lease provisions assigning snow removal duties to tenants, the City holds the property owner responsible for compliance. Citations are issued to owners, who must seek reimbursement from non-compliant tenants separately.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 stipulates that landlords are obligated to keep all means of egress free from snow and ice. This duty is non-negotiable and cannot be transferred to tenants for multi-unit properties, except in specific, limited circumstances. Landlords must ensure that common entrances, stairways, parking lots, and walkways are maintained in a passable and safe condition at all times.

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 solely responsible for clearing snow and ice from all common entrances, exterior stairs, walkways, parking lots, and curb ramps required by Everett ordinance. Delegation of these duties to tenants through lease provisions is not permissible under state law.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants can be assigned responsibility for snow removal from private driveways, stairs, and exclusive-use areas only if the lease includes a clear, written assignment. Landlords remain legally liable for ensuring compliance regardless of any delegation.
• Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants may only be required to clear snow from areas that serve exclusively their unit, and only if the lease explicitly states this obligation. This includes private-use walkways, patios, decks, or driveways. Shared spaces remain exclusively the landlord’s responsibility.

Important: Any lease clause transferring responsibility for common area snow removal from landlord to tenant is void and unenforceable under Massachusetts law.

Everett Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Everett must implement comprehensive winter maintenance, extending from public sidewalks to private driveways and pedestrian routes. Homeowners are fully liable for slip-and-fall incidents resulting from inadequate snow or ice removal on their premises. These requirements are enforced to ensure public safety and legal compliance.

• Clear driveways and walkways: Remove snow and ice from all access points between sidewalks and building entrances.
• Outdoor stairs, stoops, porches, and decks: Must be kept clear to prevent accidents and ensure safe mobility.
• Garbage collection points, utility meters, emergency egresses: Require unobstructed access at all times.
• Treat ice: Apply sand, salt, or traction materials to minimize slip hazards.
• Coordinate with municipal plowing: Adjust personal snow removal schedules to anticipate snow pushed onto driveways by city plows.

Everett Code Enforcement Contact:
Phone: (617) 394-2220
Report online: Everett 311 System

Everett’s Department of Public Works maintains approximately 88 lane miles of roadway, and municipal plowing often results in additional snow being deposited at driveway entrances. Homeowners should expect to perform secondary clearing after plow passes. It is recommended to monitor Everett’s plowing status via the city website or app, delay final driveway clearing until plows finish in your neighborhood, and maintain a minimum 10–12 foot wide path for vehicles. Snow should be stored away from street edges, and it is strictly prohibited to deposit snow onto public roads, which may result in fines.

Residential Properties Throughout Everett Neighborhoods

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

Glendale: Characterized by classic single-family homes and duplexes with narrow driveways and limited off-street parking. Snow removal in this area must account for tight side yards and shared alleyways, making efficient equipment and careful planning essential.

Village District: Featuring historic row houses and older multi-family buildings, this district presents challenges such as steep front steps, minimal snow storage, and the need to protect architectural features during clearing operations.

West Everett: Home to a mix of triple-decker residences and larger apartment complexes, West Everett requires attention to shared walkways, common parking lots, and high-traffic pedestrian routes amid sloped terrain.

Woodlawn: Suburban-style neighborhoods with detached homes, wide driveways, and larger yards. While there is more space for snow storage, significant driveway lengths demand thorough plowing and de-icing to keep all access points clear.

Broadway Corridor: Densely developed with multi-family units over commercial storefronts, this area poses challenges related to sidewalk width, curb cuts, and maintaining access for both residents and businesses during and after snow events.

Ferry Street Area: Comprising a mix of single-family and smaller apartment buildings, properties here often feature tight driveways and limited street parking, requiring coordinated snow placement and careful attention to sidewalk and curb ramp accessibility.

South Everett: Residential streets with older homes and compact lots present logistical issues for plowing and snow storage. Shared driveways and minimal setbacks necessitate prompt, coordinated removal to prevent access blockages.

East Everett: Bordering industrial and commercial zones, this neighborhood includes mid-size apartment buildings and single-family properties with varying driveway widths and challenging street layouts, highlighting the importance of compliance and clear egress routes throughout winter.