Halifax Residential Snow Plowing Services

Halifax Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts state law provides the legal foundation for residential snow removal responsibilities, establishing clear expectations for property owners, landlords, and tenants. 105 CMR 410.260 outlines minimum standards for removal of snow and ice from means of egress and public walkways, requiring prompt and consistent action during winter months. In Halifax, municipal ordinances supplement state law, mandating that property owners clear snow and ice from public sidewalks abutting their properties within 24 hours after snowfall has ended. These requirements apply to all residential properties, including single-family homes, duplexes, and multi-family residences.

• Sidewalks: Must be cleared to a minimum width of 36 inches to allow safe pedestrian passage.
• Access Routes: Safe access must be maintained from the public sidewalk to all home entrances, garages, and parking facilities.
• Winter Duration: Obligations remain in force throughout the entire winter season, regardless of frequency or severity of snow events.

Property owners are also required to treat icy areas with sand, salt, or other traction materials, and must ensure that snow is not piled in a manner that obstructs visibility or access to utility meters and emergency exits. Halifax’s enforcement of these standards is handled by the Inspectional Services Department.

Halifax Inspectional Services Department
499 Plymouth Street, Halifax, MA 02338
Phone: (781) 293-1724
Official Website: Halifax Inspectional Services Department

Halifax Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Halifax enforces its snow removal ordinances through a fine schedule designed to promote compliance and public safety. According to the Halifax General Bylaws, Section 49, failure to clear sidewalks within the required 24-hour period results in escalating penalties:

• Single-family and small multi-family properties (up to 16 units): $50 per violation
• Large multi-family buildings (17+ units): $100 per violation
• Each day of non-compliance: Treated as a separate violation, accruing additional fines
• Depositing snow on public streets: $50–$200 per incident, based on the volume and resulting hazards

Enforcement is conducted via both proactive inspections and response to resident complaints submitted through the Halifax 311 system (Citizen Request Form). Inspectional Services personnel investigate complaints, document violations, and issue citations as appropriate. Property owners are responsible for violations, even if lease agreements assign snow removal obligations to tenants; owners must pursue reimbursement from tenants independently if needed.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 sets forth mandatory landlord responsibilities regarding snow and ice removal. Landlords are required to keep all means of egress—including exterior stairs, walkways, and common areas—free from snow and ice. These duties cannot be shifted to tenants through lease agreements for multi-family properties, and non-compliance can result in legal liability and enforcement action.

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

• Landlord Obligations – Multi-Family Properties:
  • Maintain common entrances, stairways, parking lots, and walkways free of snow and ice
  • Curb ramps and exterior shared stairs are the exclusive responsibility of property owners
  • Clearing of all access points as required by Halifax ordinance
• Landlord Obligations – Single-Family Rental Homes:
  • Landlords may assign snow removal for private driveways and stairs to tenants, if specified in the lease
  • Legal responsibility remains with the property owner, regardless of delegation
• Tenant Responsibilities:
  • Applicable only if renting a single-family home with exclusive-use driveways and entrances
  • Must be clearly assigned by written lease agreement
  • Applies to personal-use areas not shared with other units
• Important: Landlords cannot transfer responsibility for shared or common areas through lease clauses; such provisions are void under Massachusetts law.

Halifax Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Halifax must be maintained to ensure safe passage for residents and visitors, with obligations extending from public sidewalks to private driveways and all pedestrian access points. Homeowners are fully liable for slip-and-fall injuries resulting from inadequate snow or ice removal on their property.

• Clear driveways and walkways: From the sidewalk to all building entrances
• Remove snow from: Outdoor stairs, stoops, porches, and decks
• Access points: Clear garbage collection areas, utility meters, and emergency exits
• Ice management: Treat with sand, salt, or traction materials as needed
• Plowing coordination: Time driveway clearing with municipal plowing schedules

Halifax Code Enforcement Contact
Phone: (781) 293-1724
Report online: Halifax 311 System

The Halifax Department of Public Works (DPW) maintains approximately 60 lane miles of roadways. During municipal plowing operations, snow may accumulate at driveway entrances, requiring additional clearing by homeowners. Residents are encouraged to monitor DPW plowing progress using the Halifax DPW website and delay final driveway clearing until plows have completed their neighborhood routes. Driveways should be cleared to a width of 10–12 feet for vehicle access, with snow stored away from street edges. Depositing snow onto public streets is prohibited and subject to fines.

Residential Properties Throughout Halifax Neighborhoods

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

Central Village: This historic neighborhood features a mix of colonial-era homes and single-family residences with narrow driveways and limited snow storage options. Properties often face challenges with on-street parking and preservation requirements for stone walls and mature trees.

Monponsett District: Characterized by waterfront properties and seasonal cottages, this area presents unique access issues due to unpaved roads, steep driveways, and limited parking. Snow management is complicated by proximity to the lakes and the presence of private lanes.

South Halifax: Predominantly suburban with newer single-family homes and spacious lots. Long driveways and wide frontages require diligent plowing, and homeowners must coordinate with municipal plowing on cul-de-sacs and dead-end streets.

Halifax Estates: A large manufactured housing community with multiple units, shared private roads, and centralized parking. Snow removal must account for narrow access, community walkways, and clearing of shared amenities.

Country Club Area: Featuring custom homes on large lots adjacent to the Halifax Country Club, this district has extended private driveways and gated entrances. Plowing operations must be tailored to accommodate landscaping features and long access routes.

Silver Lake Region: This neighborhood includes both traditional homes and lakeside cottages, with a mix of gravel and paved driveways. Snow storage is often limited due to water proximity, and properties require careful attention to prevent runoff into the lake.

Thompson Street Corridor: A residential stretch with multi-family housing and compact single-family lots. Challenges include shared driveways, limited on-street parking, and the need for coordinated snow removal among neighboring properties.

Woodland Estates: Composed of newer construction with modern amenities, this neighborhood features long, gently sloping driveways and wide sidewalks. Residents must manage both private and public snow removal, with special attention to corner lots and intersection visibility.