Attleboro Residential Snow Plowing Services

Attleboro Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law provides a comprehensive framework for residential snow removal responsibilities, requiring property owners, landlords, and tenants to ensure safe passage on and around private properties. The 105 CMR 410.260 regulation specifically defines these obligations, outlining requirements based on property type and occupancy. In Attleboro, these state regulations are reinforced by local ordinances mandating that property owners clear snow and ice from sidewalks bordering their property within 24 hours after snowfall has ended, as specified in the city’s municipal code. Beyond sidewalks, Attleboro homeowners must also maintain safe access to all home entrances, garages, and parking areas throughout the winter season.

• Sidewalks: Snow and ice must be cleared from sidewalks within 24 hours after a storm concludes.
• Entrances and Exits: All building entrances, egresses, and paths to private garages must be kept unobstructed.
• Parking Access: Driveways and parking areas must remain accessible and free of hazardous accumulation.

Attleboro Inspectional Services Department
Government Center, 77 Park Street, Attleboro, MA 02703
Phone: (508) 223-2222 ext. 3245
Official Website: Inspectional Services Department

Attleboro Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Attleboro’s Code of Ordinances, Chapter 16, Section 16-24 sets forth specific penalties for snow removal violations on residential properties. 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 or more): $100 per violation per day.
• Depositing snow on public streets: $50–$200 additional penalty depending on volume and obstruction.

Each day of non-compliance constitutes a separate violation subject to additional fines. The enforcement process includes both proactive inspections and complaint-driven responses. Residents can file reports via the city’s 311 system, after which Inspectional Services conducts site investigations, documents conditions, and issues citations as warranted. Field inspectors follow standard documentation and notification procedures, ensuring due process for property owners.

It is important to note that property owners remain legally liable for sidewalk snow removal violations even if a lease agreement assigns this responsibility to tenants. The City issues citations to the owner of record, who must seek reimbursement from non-compliant tenants through separate legal means.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 establishes non-negotiable landlord responsibilities to keep all means of egress free of snow and ice. Landlords cannot transfer responsibility for common or shared areas to tenants through lease provisions in most circumstances.

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

• Landlord Responsibilities:
  • Multi-family properties: Full responsibility for clearing common entrances, stairways, parking lots, walkways, exterior shared stairs, and curb ramps in compliance with Attleboro ordinances.
  • Single-family rental homes: Tenants may be assigned responsibility for private driveways and stairs only if the lease includes explicit written assignment. The landlord retains ultimate liability.
• Tenant Responsibilities:
  • Applicable only in single-family rentals with exclusive-use areas and explicit written lease assignments.
  • Paths and areas must serve solely the tenant’s unit, such as private decks, patios, or parking spaces.

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

Attleboro Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Attleboro require vigilant winter maintenance extending from public sidewalks to private driveways and all pedestrian access routes. Homeowners are fully liable for slip-and-fall injuries resulting from inadequate snow and ice removal on their premises. Key obligations include:

• Clear all driveways and walkways from the sidewalk to every building entrance.
• Remove snow from outdoor stairs, stoops, porches, and decks.
• Keep garbage collection points, utility meters, and emergency exits accessible.
• Treat icy areas with sand, salt, or approved traction materials.
• Coordinate snow removal with municipal plowing schedules.

Attleboro Code Enforcement Contact
Phone: (508) 223-2222 ext. 3245
Report online: Attleboro 311 System

The Attleboro Department of Public Works (DPW) maintains over 400 lane miles of roadway, and plowing operations can deposit snow across driveway entrances after homeowners have cleared them. Residents should anticipate additional clearing after plows pass and are encouraged to monitor plowing progress via the Attleboro DPW website. Best practices include delaying final driveway clearing until plows complete neighborhood routes, maintaining a 10–12 foot width for vehicle access, and storing cleared snow away from street edges. Depositing snow onto public roads is prohibited and subject to penalties under city ordinance.

Residential Properties Throughout Attleboro Neighborhoods

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

Downtown Attleboro: Characterized by multi-family buildings, historic triple-deckers, and row houses, downtown properties often face narrow sidewalks and shared driveways, requiring coordinated snow removal and careful attention to accessibility for all residents.

East Side (Highland Area): Primarily suburban single-family homes with longer driveways and cul-de-sacs. Residents must manage snow storage and ensure wide enough access for emergency vehicles and service trucks.

South Attleboro: This area features a mix of single-family residences and multi-unit complexes, with many properties situated along busy roads. Steep driveways and limited curb space often necessitate prompt and thorough snow clearing.

Hebronville: Known for older homes and some historic structures, Hebronville presents narrow streets and limited off-street parking. Preservation guidelines may apply to certain properties, impacting permissible snow removal methods.

West Attleboro: Suburban-style neighborhoods with larger lots and attached garages. Wide driveways and multiple parking areas require systematic clearing and strategic snow placement to avoid blocking mailboxes and utilities.

La Salette District: This mixed-density area includes apartment complexes and townhome clusters, with shared parking lots and walkways. Coordinated snow removal is essential to maintain access for all residents and visitors.

Attleboro Falls: A blend of historic homes and modern subdivisions, Attleboro Falls features a variety of driveway configurations and sloped lots, necessitating extra caution for ice control and egress safety.

Briggs Corner: Residential zones here typically consist of newer single-family developments, with broad driveways and sidewalks. The main challenge is managing the volume of snow generated by municipal plowing along arterial roads.