Brookline Residential Snow Plowing Services

Brookline Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

In Massachusetts, property owners have specific responsibilities regarding snow removal to ensure safety and accessibility. The 105 CMR 410.260 establishes obligations for property owners, landlords, and tenants based on property type and occupancy arrangements. In Brookline, local ordinances intersect with state regulations, requiring homeowners to clear snow within a specified timeframe, typically 24 hours after the end of a snowfall.

Homeowners must not only maintain sidewalks but also ensure safe access to homes, garages, and parking facilities throughout the winter months.

Brookline Inspectional Services Department
Address: 333 Washington Street, Brookline, MA 02445
Phone: (617) 730-2100
Official Website: Inspectional Services

Brookline Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Brookline enforces specific fines for snow removal violations as outlined in the city’s ordinances. Homeowners face fines for non-compliance, which are structured as follows:

• Single-family and small multi-family properties (≤16 units): $50 per violation.
• Large multi-family buildings (17+ units): $100 per violation.
• Each day of non-compliance counts as a separate violation, accruing additional fines.
• Depositing snow onto streets incurs an additional penalty ranging from $25 to $100, depending on the volume.

The enforcement process includes proactive inspections and complaint-driven citations. The Inspectional Services Department investigates reports filed through the 311 system, documenting field inspections and citation procedures. It is important to note that property owners remain liable for sidewalk clearing violations, even if lease agreements assign snow removal responsibilities to tenants.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

According to the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260, landlords have non-negotiable responsibilities for snow and ice removal that cannot be transferred to tenants through lease agreements. Landlords must ensure that all means of egress are free from snow and ice obstructions.

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

Landlord responsibilities include:

• Multi-Family Properties: Clearing common entrances, stairways, parking lots, and walkways, as well as exterior shared stairs and curb ramps as per Brookline ordinance requirements.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants may be assigned responsibility for private driveways and stairs with a written lease agreement, but landlords retain liability even when delegating these duties.

Tenant responsibilities can only be assigned under specific conditions, such as renting single-family homes with exclusive-use driveways. Landlords cannot transfer responsibility for shared areas through lease provisions as such clauses are void under Massachusetts law.

Brookline Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Brookline require comprehensive winter maintenance, from public sidewalks to private driveways and pedestrian access routes. Homeowners are fully liable for slip-and-fall incidents due to inadequate snow removal.

Essential homeowner obligations include:

• Clearing driveways and walkways from sidewalks to all building entrances.
• Removing snow from outdoor stairs, stoops, porches, and decks.
• Clearing garbage collection points, utility meters, and emergency egresses.
• Treating ice with sand, salt, or traction materials.
• Coordinating with municipal plowing schedules.

Brookline Code Enforcement Contact:
Phone: (617) 730-2100
Report online: Brookline 311 System

The municipal plowing conducted by Brookline Public Works/DPW clears approximately 200 lane miles of roadways, which may unavoidably deposit snow across cleared driveway entrances. Homeowners should plan for secondary clearing after municipal plows pass.

Best practices for driveway clearing include:

• Monitoring municipal plowing via the Brookline app or website.
• Delaying final clearing until plows complete neighborhood routes.
• Maintaining a 10-12 foot width for driveway access.
• Creating snow storage away from street edges.
• Never depositing snow onto public streets, as this violates ordinances and can result in fines.

Residential Properties Throughout Brookline Neighborhoods

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

Single-Family Neighborhoods: Characterized by detached homes with private yards, these areas often feature narrow driveways and the need for individual snow management approaches.

Triple-Decker Districts: Common in Brookline, these multi-family homes require coordination among tenants for shared entrance and stairway maintenance.

Row Houses: These properties often have limited parking and shared driveways, necessitating collaboration for effective snow removal.

Historic Districts: Featuring older homes with unique architectural elements, snow removal must be done carefully to preserve the property’s aesthetic and structural integrity.

Suburban-Style Areas: These neighborhoods often have larger properties with extended driveways, requiring homeowners to manage snow accumulation effectively.

Multi-Family Complexes: Often equipped with shared parking lots, these complexes must ensure that communal pathways remain clear for residents.

Narrow Access Streets: Many Brookline streets are narrow, posing challenges for municipal plowing and requiring homeowners to be proactive in clearing access points.

Sloped Properties: Homes situated on slopes face unique challenges with snow and ice accumulation, necessitating specific strategies for safe access.