Norton Residential Snow Plowing Services

Norton Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law establishes a comprehensive framework for residential snow removal responsibilities, directly impacting property owners, landlords, and tenants in Norton. 105 CMR 410.260 specifically defines these obligations, ensuring that sidewalks, means of egress, and access routes remain safe and passable throughout the winter. In Norton, local ordinances require homeowners and responsible parties to clear all adjacent public sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall ends, aligning municipal rules with state mandates. Beyond sidewalk clearing, residents must maintain safe access to homes, garages, and parking areas, preventing hazardous conditions for occupants and visitors during the winter months.

• Sidewalks: Clear to a minimum width of 36 inches within 24 hours after the end of snowfall.
• Access Routes: Maintain safe passage to all entrances, garages, and parking facilities.
• Ice Removal: Apply sand, salt, or similar materials to mitigate ice accumulation.

Norton Inspectional Services Department
70 East Main Street, Norton, MA 02766
Phone: (508) 285-0275
Official Website: Norton Inspectional Services Department

Norton Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Norton enforces snow removal under its Municipal Code, Chapter 405, Streets and Sidewalks, §405-2, which details property owners' obligations and associated penalties for non-compliance. The residential fine structure is as follows:

• Single-family and small multi-family properties (≤16 units): $50 per violation per day.
• Large multi-family buildings (17+ units): $100 per violation per day.
• Depositing snow onto public streets: $50–$200 per incident, depending on severity and volume.

Each day of non-compliance is treated as a separate violation, accruing additional fines until the issue is corrected. Enforcement may involve proactive inspections or result from resident reports via the town’s online reporting portal. Inspectional Services investigates reports, documents violations through field inspection, and issues citations as appropriate. Note for landlords: Property owners remain liable for sidewalk snow removal violations, even if lease agreements assign snow removal duties to tenants. The Town issues citations to the property 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 that landlords are fundamentally responsible for clearing snow and ice from all means of egress in residential buildings. These obligations cannot typically be transferred to tenants through lease agreements, except in certain single-family rental arrangements. Landlords must ensure that all exits, shared walkways, and common areas remain free of snow and ice obstructions to maintain safe access.

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 responsible for clearing snow from common entrances, stairways, parking lots, walkways, and curb ramps as required by Norton ordinance.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants may be assigned responsibility for private driveways and stairs only with an explicit written lease agreement. The landlord retains legal liability for ensuring these areas are properly maintained.
• Tenant Assignment: Tenants can only be tasked with snow removal where they have exclusive use of the area (such as personal driveways or walkways) and the lease clearly assigns this duty.
• Common Areas: Landlords cannot transfer responsibility for shared or common areas through a lease; such clauses are void under Massachusetts law.

Norton Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Norton must adhere to a thorough winter maintenance routine that extends from public sidewalks to private driveways and all pedestrian access routes. Homeowners are fully liable for any slip-and-fall incidents that result from insufficient snow or ice removal on their property.

• Driveways and Walkways: Clear all driveways and walkways from the sidewalk to every building entrance.
• Outdoor Stairs and Decks: Remove snow and ice from exterior stairs, stoops, porches, and decks.
• Utility and Emergency Access: Maintain clear garbage collection points, utility meters, and emergency exits.
• Ice Treatment: Apply sand, salt, or other traction materials to all accessible surfaces.
• Municipal Plowing Coordination: Monitor town plowing schedules to anticipate when additional clearing may be necessary.

Norton Code Enforcement Contact
Phone: (508) 285-0275
Report online: Norton 311 System

The Norton Department of Public Works (DPW) maintains approximately 145 lane miles of roadway. During plowing operations, additional snow is often deposited onto driveway entrances after homeowners have cleared them. Residents are encouraged to:

• Monitor municipal plowing on the DPW website or via the Norton mobile app.
• Delay final driveway clearing until plows have completed their neighborhood route.
• Maintain a 10–12 foot wide driveway clearance for emergency and vehicle access.
• Create snow storage areas away from the street edge to prevent re-blocking.
• Never deposit snow onto public streets, which is prohibited by ordinance and subject to fines.

Residential Properties Throughout Norton Neighborhoods

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

Barrowsville features a mix of single-family homes and suburban streets. Many properties have long driveways and large front yards, which require extensive snow clearing and attention to mailbox access.

Norton Center includes historic homes and multi-family residences with narrow sidewalks and limited off-street parking. Snow removal here often involves careful preservation of older structures and coordination among multiple tenants.

Chartley is characterized by compact neighborhoods and cul-de-sacs populated with ranches and Cape-style houses. Driveway width and snow storage can be restricted, requiring efficient plowing and attention to shared entryways.

East Norton contains newer subdivisions with wide streets and attached garages. Homeowners here must coordinate timing with municipal plows and ensure access to community mailboxes and hydrants.

West Norton presents larger lots and custom homes with expansive driveways and private roads. Residents face challenges with snow drifting and maintaining access to detached garages and utility meters.

Winnecunnet Pond Area offers waterfront properties with steep driveways and unique terrain. Snow removal must account for elevation changes and maintaining clear emergency access routes.

Wheaton College District consists of multi-family units, student housing, and row houses with high pedestrian activity. Property owners must focus on keeping sidewalks and crosswalks clear for accessibility.

Taunton Avenue Corridor features a combination of small apartment buildings and single-family homes. On-street parking limitations and narrow lots increase the complexity of snow removal and require precise plowing to avoid blocking driveways.