Concord Residential Snow Plowing Services

Concord Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts establishes the legal framework for snow and ice removal on residential properties, supplemented by municipal regulations in Concord. 105 CMR 410.260 of the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code requires property owners, landlords, and tenants (depending on occupancy arrangements) to maintain safe and passable egress routes free of snow and ice. In Concord, municipal code mandates that property owners clear snow and ice from sidewalks bordering their property within 24 hours after the end of snowfall. State and local rules work in concert, requiring not only sidewalk clearing but also the maintenance of safe access to homes, garages, and parking facilities throughout the winter months. Owners are responsible for ensuring all egress routes, including driveways and building entrances, remain accessible and hazard-free during snow events.

• Sidewalks: Must be cleared within 24 hours after snowfall ends, as per Concord ordinance.
• Building Entrances and Walkways: All primary and secondary entrances, steps, and walkways must remain free of snow and ice to provide safe access at all times.
• Parking Areas and Garages: Access to parking facilities and garages must be maintained for vehicle and emergency access.

Concord Inspectional Services Department
141 Keyes Road, Concord, MA 01742
Phone: (978) 318-3280
Official Website: Concord Inspectional Services Department

Concord Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

The Town of Concord enforces residential snow removal through its local bylaws, specifically Section 6.7 of the Town Bylaws, which outlines property owner obligations and penalties for non-compliance. Failure to remove snow and ice within the required 24-hour period may result in fines assessed by the Town:

• Single-family and small multi-family properties (up to 16 units): $50 per violation, per day
• Large multi-family buildings (17+ units): $100 per violation, per day
• Depositing snow on public streets: $25 to $100 additional penalty per incident, depending on volume and circumstances
• Each day of non-compliance: Treated as a separate violation, accruing additional fines

Enforcement is managed through a combination of proactive inspections and complaint-driven investigations. Reports of non-compliance can be submitted through the Concord Request Tracker system (the Town’s equivalent to 311). Inspectional Services or Code Enforcement staff will document the condition, issue citations, and maintain records of violations. It is important to note that property owners remain legally responsible for sidewalk clearing even if their lease assigns responsibility to tenants. The Town issues fines directly to the property owner of record, who must seek reimbursement from tenants independently if applicable.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 sets forth non-negotiable standards for snow and ice removal in rental housing. Landlords must ensure all means of egress—including exits, common ways, and shared facilities—are free from snow and ice obstructions at all times. Lease provisions attempting to transfer these core responsibilities to tenants in multi-family or shared properties are void under state law.

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 and ice from all common entrances, stairways, parking lots, walkways, and curb ramps required by local ordinance. This includes any exterior stairs or shared spaces, regardless of lease language.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants may be assigned responsibility for private driveways and exclusive-use entrances if this is explicitly stated in a written lease. However, landlords retain ultimate liability for compliance and may be held accountable for violations.

• Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants may be assigned snow removal duties only if:
• The rental is a single-family home with exclusive-use access
• The lease contains explicit, written assignment of these duties
• The areas to be cleared serve only that tenant’s unit.
• Landlords cannot assign responsibility for shared/common areas to tenants; such provisions are unenforceable under Massachusetts law.

Concord Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Concord are required to provide comprehensive winter maintenance, extending from public sidewalks to private driveways, walkways, and all pedestrian access routes. Homeowners have full legal liability for slip-and-fall incidents arising from inadequate snow or ice removal on their property.

• Clear driveways and walkways: Remove snow from all paths between public sidewalks and all building entrances.
• Outdoor stairs, stoops, porches, and decks: Ensure all exterior access points are safely passable.
• Garbage collection points, utility meters, and emergency egresses: Maintain clear access for utility and emergency personnel.
• Ice treatment: Use sand, salt, or other traction materials on icy surfaces.
• Coordinate with municipal plowing schedules: Be aware of and adjust for snow pushed back onto driveways by town plows.

Concord Code Enforcement Contact:
Phone: (978) 318-3280
Report online: Concord 311 System

Concord Public Works maintains approximately 107 lane miles of roadway, and municipal plowing operations often result in snow being redeposited at the end of driveways. Homeowners should expect to perform secondary clearing after municipal plows complete their routes. Best practices include monitoring plowing activity via the Concord Public Works website, delaying final driveway clearing until plows have passed, maintaining a 10-12 foot driveway width for vehicle access, and storing snow away from street edges. Depositing snow onto public streets is prohibited and subject to additional fines.

Residential Properties Throughout Concord Neighborhoods

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

West Concord Village: This neighborhood features a mix of single-family homes, duplexes, and small apartment buildings with narrow driveways and limited on-street parking. Snow storage and access are primary concerns, particularly for properties with shared entrances.

Concord Center: Historic homes and row houses predominate, many with brick walkways, steep steps, and limited setback from sidewalks. Preservation requirements may restrict the use of certain equipment, requiring careful coordination for snow removal and de-icing.

Thoreau District: Suburban-style developments with larger lots, attached garages, and expansive driveways. Snow management requires attention to long private driveways and the potential for drifting snow from open lots.

Barrett's Mill Area: Semi-rural properties with longer driveways, shared private roads, and large yard areas. Snow removal must address access for emergency vehicles, outbuildings, and shared driveways among neighbors.

Sudbury Road Corridor: A diverse area with historic farmhouses, mid-century homes, and multi-family clusters. Driveway slopes and limited snow storage present unique challenges, as does maintaining access for multiple vehicles.

Emerson Park Neighborhood: Densely settled district with triple-decker residences, small lot sizes, and tight driveways. Shared stairwells and limited off-street parking require coordinated snow removal and walkway clearing.

East Concord: Residential developments with cul-de-sacs, curvilinear streets, and variable terrain. Homeowners must maintain sidewalk access and manage snow piles that can block driveways after municipal plowing.

Monument Street Corridor: Large estates and historic properties with significant frontage and extensive private driveways. Specialized snow removal equipment may be necessary to handle long approaches and preserve landscape features.