Marshfield Residential Snow Plowing Services

Marshfield Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law establishes a clear regulatory framework for residential snow removal responsibilities in all cities and towns, including Marshfield. 105 CMR 410.260 (State Sanitary Code) defines essential obligations for property owners, landlords, and tenants based on property type and occupancy arrangements. In Marshfield, local ordinances intersect with state requirements, mandating that property owners clear snow and ice from adjacent public sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall ceases, per Chapter 7, Article III of the Marshfield General Bylaws (Section 7-16).

• Sidewalks: Must be cleared to a minimum width of 36 inches within 24 hours after the end of snowfall.
• Access Routes: Homeowners must ensure safe, unobstructed access to building entrances, garages, parking spaces, and mailboxes throughout the winter months.
• Additional Duties: Snow removal obligations extend to private walkways, stairs, and driveways that connect to public ways or parking facilities.

For questions or to report violations, contact:

Marshfield Inspectional Services Department
870 Moraine Street, Marshfield, MA 02050
Phone: (781) 834-5555
Official Website: Marshfield Inspectional Services Department

Marshfield Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Marshfield enforces snow removal through local ordinance as outlined in General Bylaws Section 7-16. Fines for non-compliance are issued per property type and per offense:

• Single-family and small multi-family properties (16 units or fewer): $50 per violation, per day
• Large multi-family buildings (17 or more units): $100 per violation, per day
• Depositing snow onto public streets: $50-$150 per incident, depending on volume and circumstances

Each day that snow or ice remains uncleared constitutes a separate violation subject to additional fines. Enforcement is conducted via both proactive inspections and complaint-driven investigations. Residents may report violations through the Marshfield 311 system or by contacting Inspectional Services directly. Field inspectors document violations and issue citations to property owners of record, regardless of lease provisions assigning snow removal duties to tenants. Property owners are responsible for compliance and must seek reimbursement from tenants through separate legal procedures if necessary.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 establishes mandatory landlord duties for snow and ice removal, which cannot be transferred to tenants in multi-family settings through lease agreements. Landlords must maintain all means of egress free from snow and ice obstructions to ensure safe access and emergency evacuation capability during winter.

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, shared stairways, walkways, parking lots, and curb ramps as required by Marshfield ordinances.
  • Exterior shared stairs and pathways must be kept clear at all times.
• Single-Family Rental Homes:
  • Tenants may be assigned responsibility for private driveways and private stairs only by explicit written lease agreement.
  • Landlords retain ultimate legal liability even when duties are delegated to tenants.
• Tenant Responsibilities:
  • Tenants may be assigned snow removal for exclusive-use areas (driveways, walkways, patios, decks) if the lease clearly specifies these duties and they serve only that tenant’s unit.
  • Responsibilities for shared/common areas cannot be transferred to tenants; such provisions are void under MA law.

Marshfield Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

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

• Driveways and Walkways: Clear all driveways and walkways from the sidewalk to every building entrance.
• Stairs, Stoops, Porches, and Decks: Remove snow and ice from all outdoor stairs, entry stoops, porches, and decks to prevent hazardous conditions.
• Utilities and Emergency Access: Clear garbage collection points, utility meters, and emergency egresses.
• Ice Treatment: Use sand, salt, or approved traction materials to treat icy surfaces.
• Municipal Coordination: Schedule clearing around municipal plowing operations to ensure driveway access is maintained.

Marshfield Code Enforcement Contact
Phone: (781) 834-5555
Report online: Marshfield 311 System

Marshfield Public Works maintains approximately 240 lane miles of roadway. Municipal plows may deposit snow across cleared driveway aprons while clearing streets. Homeowners should anticipate additional clearing after plowing operations. For best results:

• Monitor DPW plowing progress via the Marshfield DPW website.
• Delay final driveway clearing until plows have completed your neighborhood route.
• Maintain a minimum 10-12 foot driveway width for emergency and vehicle access.
• Designate snow storage areas away from street edges to avoid re-blocking drives.
• Never deposit shoveled snow on public streets, as this is a bylaw violation subject to fines.

Residential Properties Throughout Marshfield Neighborhoods

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

Brant Rock: This coastal neighborhood features a mix of single-family beach cottages and multi-family homes. Narrow streets and limited off-street parking require precise snow placement and frequent coordination with municipal plows. Salt spray and wind-driven snow create added removal challenges.

Green Harbor: Predominantly single-family homes with driveways, Green Harbor properties face issues with driveway drift and snow storage near tidal areas. Homeowners must clear walkways that connect to main roads and ensure access for emergency vehicles.

Rexhame: Known for its traditional Cape Cod-style houses and small lots, Rexhame’s compact driveways and lack of curbside snow storage necessitate careful snow relocation and shared effort among neighbors for sidewalk access.

Marshfield Hills: Characterized by historic homes and rolling terrain, Marshfield Hills often presents steep driveways and longer private roads. Residents must plan for additional equipment to clear hills and curves, while maintaining accessibility for shared driveways.

Humarock: This waterfront neighborhood includes both seasonal cottages and year-round residences. Challenges include tidal flooding, tight street layouts, and limited snow storage, requiring extra vigilance in maintaining clear pedestrian and vehicle access.

North Marshfield: Suburban-style developments with larger lots and longer driveways dominate North Marshfield. Plowing wide driveways and ensuring proper snow stacking away from septic systems and wells is critical for homeowner compliance and safety.

Ocean Bluff: Ocean Bluff offers a combination of multi-family complexes and older single-family homes with limited parking. Residents must coordinate snow removal for shared parking lots, accessible ramps, and walkways to ensure compliance with both state and local regulations.

Webster Square: As a mixed-use district with residential, commercial, and public properties, Webster Square’s row houses and apartments require coordinated snow removal for communal access points, curb ramps, and shared entryways to meet accessibility standards.