Burlington Residential Snow Plowing Services

Burlington Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law establishes a comprehensive framework for residential snow removal responsibilities applicable to all property owners, landlords, and tenants. The 105 CMR 410.260 regulation defines these obligations, outlining requirements based on property type and occupancy arrangements. In Burlington, state regulations are reinforced by municipal ordinances that require property owners to clear sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall has ceased. This timeline is enforced for all residential properties, ensuring safe pedestrian passage and access to homes, garages, and parking facilities throughout winter months. Duties extend beyond sidewalks, obligating homeowners to maintain safe access routes to all entrances, driveways, and accessory structures.

• Sidewalk Clearing: All sidewalks abutting the property must be cleared to a minimum width of 36 inches within 24 hours after the end of snowfall.
• Access to Entrances: Maintain clear, safe pathways to all primary and secondary building entrances.
• Parking and Garage Access: Remove snow and ice from driveways and paths leading to garages and parking areas.

Burlington Inspectional Services Department
29 Center Street, Burlington, MA 01803
Phone: (781) 270-1950
Official Website: Inspectional Services Department

Burlington Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Burlington's municipal code (Section 205-15) establishes precise penalties for residential snow removal violations. Failure to comply with the 24-hour clearing rule results in the following fine structure:

• Single-family and small multi-family properties (16 units or fewer): $50 per violation per day.
• Large multi-family buildings (17 units or more): $200 per violation per day.
• Depositing snow on public streets: $50–$100 additional penalty depending on the amount deposited.

Each day a violation remains uncorrected is treated as a separate offense, incurring additional fines. Enforcement is conducted through both proactive inspections and complaint-driven responses. Residents may report violations via the Burlington 311 System, after which Inspectional Services investigates, documents, and issues citations as warranted. Property owners are legally responsible for violations, even if lease agreements assign snow removal duties to tenants. The City will issue citations to the legal owner of record, who must seek reimbursement from tenants separately if applicable.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 imposes non-negotiable requirements on landlords to keep all building egresses free from snow and ice. These obligations generally cannot be transferred to tenants through lease agreements, except in limited cases for single-family homes with exclusive-use areas. Landlords must ensure that all means of exit, including walkways, stairways, and parking areas, remain unobstructed and safe for use.

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 fully responsible for clearing snow from common entrances, shared stairways, walkways, parking lots, and curb ramps as required by Burlington ordinances.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants may be assigned responsibility for clearing private driveways and stairs only if the lease agreement specifies this in writing. However, landlords retain ultimate liability for ensuring compliance.
• Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants may only be assigned snow removal duties for exclusive-use areas, such as private driveways, paths to their specific unit, patios, or decks, and only with explicit written assignment. Shared or common areas cannot be delegated to tenants under Massachusetts law.

Landlords cannot transfer responsibility for shared or common areas to tenants via lease provisions; such clauses are void under state law.

Burlington Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Burlington must be maintained throughout winter, including public sidewalks, private driveways, and pedestrian access routes. Homeowners are fully liable for slip-and-fall incidents resulting from inadequate snow or ice removal on their property. Compliance requires timely and thorough attention to all exterior surfaces.

• 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.
• Service Points: Maintain clear access to garbage collection points, utility meters, and emergency exits.
• Ice Treatment: Apply sand, salt, or other traction materials to icy surfaces.
• Coordination: Monitor and coordinate with municipal plowing schedules to ensure continued access and compliance.

Burlington Code Enforcement Contact:
Phone: (781) 270-1950
Report online: Burlington 311 System

Burlington’s Department of Public Works (DPW) maintains approximately 100 lane miles of roadways. During plowing operations, snow is often deposited back into driveway entrances, requiring homeowners to perform secondary clearing. Best practices include tracking plowing progress via the Burlington DPW website, delaying final driveway clearing until plows finish in your neighborhood, maintaining a 10–12 foot width for driveway access, and storing snow away from street edges. Depositing snow onto public streets is prohibited and subject to fines.

Residential Properties Throughout Burlington Neighborhoods

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

Pine Glen: This neighborhood is characterized by single-family homes with wide driveways and mature landscaping. Snow removal here often involves managing snow storage to avoid blocking driveways and ensuring access to detached garages.

Fox Hill: Fox Hill features a mix of mid-century homes and newer subdivisions with interconnected streets. Many properties have front-facing garages, requiring attention to sidewalk and curb ramp compliance as well as efficient driveway clearing.

Winnmere: A traditional residential district with smaller lot sizes, Winnmere presents challenges with narrow driveways and minimal snow storage space. Shared driveways and proximity to main roads increase the need for coordinated clearing efforts.

Old Stagecoach Road Area: Homes in this area are often set back from the street with extended private driveways and sloped terrain. Snow removal must address elevation changes and safe access for both vehicles and pedestrians.

Burlington Center: The town center includes a mix of historic homes and multi-family residences. These properties may have limited off-street parking and often require preservation-sensitive snow removal methods, especially near older structures.

Mill Pond: A blend of suburban-style homes and newer developments, Mill Pond properties frequently include cul-de-sacs and corner lots. Managing plow windrows and ensuring access for service vehicles are important considerations.

Francis Wyman: Francis Wyman is notable for its large lots and expanded driveways. Snow removal operations must balance the need for thorough clearing with the preservation of landscaping and shared community pathways.

East Burlington: This district has a range of duplexes and multi-family buildings requiring coordinated clearing of shared walkways, parking lots, and access points. Equipment limitations and proximity to commercial zones add to snow management complexity.