Norwood Residential Snow Plowing Services

Norwood Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts state law establishes clear frameworks for residential snow removal responsibilities. 105 CMR 410.260 defines the obligations of property owners, landlords, and tenants, with requirements varying by property type and occupancy arrangements. In Norwood, these state regulations are complemented by municipal ordinances that require property owners to clear sidewalks within 24 hours after the end of snowfall, ensuring pedestrian safety and accessibility. Beyond sidewalk clearing, Norwood homeowners must also maintain safe access to homes, garages, and parking facilities throughout the winter months, keeping all egress routes and commonly used pathways free from snow and ice accumulations.

For additional compliance support and guidance, contact:

Norwood Inspectional Services Department
566 Washington Street, Norwood, MA 02062
Phone: (781) 762-1240
Official Website: Norwood Inspectional Services Department

Norwood Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Norwood enforces residential snow removal through its local ordinance, which requires property owners to clear sidewalks adjacent to their property within 24 hours following a storm (see Norwood Town Bylaws, Chapter 15, Section 10). Failure to comply results in specific fines:

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

Each day of non-compliance constitutes a separate violation, with additional fines accruing for ongoing violations. Enforcement is conducted both proactively and in response to complaints submitted via the Norwood 311 system (Norwood 311). Inspectional Services investigates reports, documents violations, and issues citations as needed. Importantly, property owners remain liable for sidewalk clearing violations, even when lease agreements assign snow removal duties to tenants. The Town issues citations to the property owner of record, and owners must seek reimbursement from non-compliant tenants independently, if applicable.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 establishes that landlords are responsible for keeping all means of egress free from snow and ice obstructions. These obligations cannot be transferred to tenants through lease provisions in most circumstances.

Contact for state-level inquiries:

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 must clear common entrances, stairways, parking lots, and walkways, including exterior shared stairs and curb ramps. Full responsibility remains with the property owner under both state and local regulations.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants may be assigned responsibility for private driveways and stairs only with explicit written assignment in the lease. Landlords still retain legal liability for ensuring compliance.
• Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants can only be assigned snow removal for exclusive-use driveways, entrances, and personal-use areas (such as patios or private parking spaces), when detailed in the lease. Shared/common areas may not be transferred to tenants by lease—such clauses are void under Massachusetts law.

Norwood Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Norwood are required to provide comprehensive winter maintenance from public sidewalks to private driveways and all pedestrian access routes. Homeowners maintain full liability for slip-and-fall incidents resulting from inadequate snow or ice removal on their property.

• Clear driveways and walkways: From sidewalks to every building entrance
• Remove snow from: Outdoor stairs, stoops, porches, and decks
• Clear garbage collection points, utility meters, and emergency exits
• Treat ice: Use sand, salt, or traction materials as needed
• Coordinate with municipal plowing schedules

For code enforcement concerns or to report violations:

Norwood Code Enforcement Contact
Phone: (781) 762-1240
Report online: Norwood 311 System

Norwood Public Works plows approximately 220 lane miles of roadways. As a result, homeowners should expect snow to be deposited at driveway entrances after municipal plows pass. Best practices include monitoring municipal plowing status via the Norwood DPW website, delaying final clearing until plows have completed neighborhood routes, maintaining a driveway width of 10–12 feet for vehicle access, creating snow storage away from street edges, and never depositing snow onto public streets (which violates ordinance and results in fines).

Residential Properties Throughout Norwood Neighborhoods

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

East Norwood: Predominantly single-family homes with driveways and tree-lined sidewalks. Challenges include narrow frontage and limited snow storage, requiring careful sidewalk and curb clearing to prevent accumulation at street corners.

South Norwood: Features a mix of traditional triple-decker houses and two-family dwellings. Tight lot lines and shared driveways demand coordinated snow removal, especially for shared walkways and limited off-street parking.

Norwood Centre: Historic homes and converted row houses with older infrastructure, including brick walkways and front steps. Preservation of historic features and compliance with accessibility standards are key considerations here.

Winslow Park Area: Suburban-style developments with wide driveways, attached garages, and larger yards. Snow storage and driveway access are typically manageable, but longer driveways require more extensive plowing and de-icing.

Washington Street Corridor: High-density multi-family buildings and apartment complexes. Snow removal must account for large parking lots, extensive walkways, and curb ramps, as well as shared access points for tenants.

Dean Street Neighborhood: Residential blocks with modest single-family homes, some with sloped lots and elevated front steps. Icy stairs and hillsides pose slip-and-fall hazards, requiring diligent shoveling and sanding.

Westover Estates: Modern developments with cul-de-sac layouts, curved driveways, and landscaped medians. Snow storage space is available, but access for large plows may be limited by narrow turning radii.

Norwood Heights: Elevated terrain with single-family and split-level homes. Steeper driveways and walkways require prompt clearing and careful application of traction materials to prevent ice buildup and ensure safe access.