Dedham Residential Snow Plowing Services

Dedham Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law establishes comprehensive frameworks for residential snow and ice removal obligations, ensuring public safety and accessibility during winter months. The 105 CMR 410.260 regulation defines the responsibilities of property owners, landlords, and tenants for snow removal based on property type and occupancy. In Dedham, these state requirements are complemented by municipal ordinances mandating that all property owners clear snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their property within 24 hours after snowfall ends. Dedham’s local ordinances also require homeowners to maintain safe access to residences, garages, driveways, and parking areas throughout the winter, going beyond just sidewalk clearing.

• Sidewalks: Must be cleared within 24 hours after precipitation ends to a width of at least 36 inches, ensuring safe pedestrian passage.
• Entrances and Egresses: All means of access to the home, including front and rear doors, must remain unobstructed by snow and ice.
• Parking Facilities and Garages: Access to all parking areas must be maintained to prevent hazards.
• Additional Duties: Include clearing snow from steps, stoops, and walkways leading to public ways, and treating ice with appropriate materials.

Dedham Inspectional Services Department
26 Bryant Street, Dedham, MA 02026
Phone: (781) 751-9220
Official Website: Dedham Inspectional Services

Dedham Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Dedham enforces residential snow and ice removal through its municipal code (Section 185-9: Removal of Snow and Ice), establishing penalties for non-compliance. The 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: $100–$300 per occurrence, depending on the amount and impact
• Each day of non-compliance: Constitutes a separate violation and accrues additional fines

Enforcement is conducted via both proactive inspections and complaint-driven citations. Residents may report violations through the Dedham 311 system or by contacting the Inspectional Services Department. Field inspectors document violations, issue citations, and maintain records of compliance. Importantly, property owners are held liable for sidewalk clearing violations regardless of lease agreements assigning these duties to tenants. The City issues citations directly to owners of record, who must seek reimbursement from non-compliant tenants through separate legal proceedings.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 establishes clear, non-negotiable landlord responsibilities for maintaining all means of egress free from snow and ice. These duties generally cannot be transferred to tenants through lease language, except in specific 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): Owners must clear common entrances, stairways, parking lots, walkways, and exterior shared stairs. Curb ramps and sidewalks subject to Dedham ordinance are also the owner’s responsibility.
• Landlord Responsibilities (Single-Family Rental Homes): Owners may assign snow removal for exclusive-use driveways and stairs to tenants via a written lease but retain ultimate liability.
• Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants may be assigned snow removal only if:
  • They rent a single-family home with exclusive-use driveways and entrances
  • The lease contains explicit written assignment
  • The path serves only that tenant’s unit
  • Areas are for personal use (patios, decks, private parking)
• Important: Landlords cannot transfer responsibility for shared or common areas via lease provisions; such clauses are void under Massachusetts law.

Dedham Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Dedham require comprehensive winter upkeep, including public sidewalks, private driveways, and pedestrian access routes. Homeowners carry full liability for slip-and-fall incidents resulting from inadequate snow and ice removal. To reduce risk and comply with local regulations, property owners should adhere to the following obligations:

• Clear driveways and walkways: Ensure safe access from the street and sidewalk to all building entrances.
• Remove snow and treat ice: Address all outdoor stairs, stoops, porches, and decks.
• Clear garbage collection points, utility meters, and emergency exits: Maintain accessibility for service personnel and first responders.
• Apply sand, salt, or traction materials: Reduce slip hazards on all pedestrian routes.
• Coordinate with municipal plowing schedules: Timing snow clearing to avoid repeated work after town plows complete their routes.

Dedham Code Enforcement Contact
Phone: (781) 751-9220
Report online: Dedham 311 System

• Municipal Plowing Impact: Dedham Department of Public Works maintains over 150 lane miles, and plows may deposit snow at driveway entrances during operations.
• Best Practices:
  • Monitor plowing progress via the Dedham DPW Snow & Ice page
  • Delay final driveway clearing until plows complete your street
  • Maintain a 10–12 foot width for vehicle access
  • Create snow storage away from streets
  • Never deposit snow onto public roads (violates ordinance and incurs fines)

Residential Properties Throughout Dedham Neighborhoods

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

Oakdale: Characterized by single-family homes on moderate lots, Oakdale’s properties often have long driveways and shaded walkways, which can accumulate packed snow or ice. Narrow streets and on-street parking require special attention to snow storage and accessibility.

East Dedham: Featuring a mix of multi-family homes, historic triple-deckers, and smaller apartment complexes, East Dedham faces challenges with shared access points and limited off-street parking. Snow removal must accommodate communal walkways, stairs, and curb ramps.

Greenlodge: This suburban-style neighborhood is comprised of larger lots and private driveways. Homeowners here must coordinate with municipal plows to ensure driveway entrances remain clear after town operations.

Dedham Square: Dense with older row houses and mixed-use residential buildings, Dedham Square presents unique challenges with sidewalk clearing, limited snow storage space, and the need for prompt attention to high pedestrian traffic areas.

Avery: Primarily residential with a blend of single-family and newer townhouse developments, Avery’s properties often feature private roadways and shared driveways that require coordinated snow management among neighbors.

Riverdale: Located along the Charles River, Riverdale’s residential streets have a mix of single-family homes and two-family houses. Steep driveways and river proximity can cause drainage and refreezing concerns, necessitating diligent ice treatment.

Manor: An area with mid-century ranches and split-level homes, Manor’s wide lots offer ample snow storage but require homeowners to maintain long walkways and multiple entry points.

Endicott: Known for its historic homes and tree-lined streets, Endicott demands careful snow removal to protect mature landscaping and preserve character-defining features while ensuring all walkways and entrances remain safe.