Lexington Residential Snow Plowing Services

Lexington Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law establishes a clear framework for residential snow removal responsibilities, with 105 CMR 410.260 outlining the obligations for property owners, landlords, and tenants, depending on property type and occupancy. In Lexington, these state requirements directly intersect with local municipal ordinances. According to the Town of Lexington Code § 120-4, property owners are required to clear snow and ice from adjoining sidewalks within 24 hours after the cessation of a storm. This rule ensures safe pedestrian passage and access to public ways during winter months.

• Sidewalks: Must be cleared to a width of at least 36 inches within 24 hours of storm end.
• Access Routes: Maintain safe passage from the sidewalk to all home entrances, garages, and parking facilities.
• Additional Duties: Address snow and ice accumulation on steps, ramps, and other points of egress.

Failure to comply with these regulations may result in penalties and increased liability. Homeowners should also ensure that their property is accessible throughout the winter, including maintaining access for emergency services, deliveries, and essential utilities.

Lexington Inspectional Services Department
1625 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA 02420
Phone: (781) 698-4530
Official Website: Lexington Inspectional Services Department

Lexington Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Lexington’s sidewalk snow removal ordinance (Town Code § 120-4) specifies fines for non-compliance. The fine structure is as follows:

• Single-family and small multi-family (≤16 units): $25 per violation, per day.
• Large multi-family buildings (17+ units): $50 per violation, per day.
• Depositing snow on public streets: $50–$100 additional penalty depending on volume and impact.

Each day that a property remains non-compliant constitutes a separate violation and incurs additional fines. Proactive inspections are conducted by the Inspectional Services Department, but the system is also complaint-driven. Residents may submit concerns through the Lexington SeeClickFix 311 platform, which prompts field inspectors to investigate, document, and issue citations as necessary.

It is important to note that property owners remain legally responsible for sidewalk clearing violations even if a lease assigns snow removal to tenants. The City issues all citations to the property owner of record; recourse for reimbursement from tenants is a separate civil matter.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 establishes non-negotiable landlord responsibilities for snow and ice removal, particularly in multi-unit dwellings. Landlords must ensure that all means of egress are free from snow and ice obstructions, regardless of lease terms.

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:
  • Maintain common entrances, stairways, parking lots, and walkways.
  • Ensure exterior shared stairs and curb ramps are clear per Lexington ordinance.
  • Keep all emergency exits and accessible routes passable.
• Landlord responsibilities—Single-Family Rental Homes:
  • May assign snow removal for private driveways and stairs to tenants via a written lease agreement.
  • Retain legal liability for code compliance even when duties are delegated.
• Tenant responsibilities:
  • May be assigned snow removal tasks only in single-family rentals with exclusive-use driveways and entrances, and only if the lease explicitly states these duties.
  • Responsible for personal-use areas such as patios, decks, or private parking spaces—never for shared/common areas.
• Important: Landlords cannot transfer responsibility for shared/common areas to tenants; such clauses are void under state law.

Lexington Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Lexington require comprehensive winter maintenance, extending beyond sidewalks to private driveways and all pedestrian access routes. Homeowners remain fully liable for slip-and-fall incidents caused by insufficient snow and ice removal.

• Critical homeowner obligations:
  • Clear driveways and walkways from the sidewalk to every building entrance.
  • Remove snow from outdoor stairs, stoops, porches, and decks.
  • Clear garbage collection points, utility meters, and all emergency egresses.
  • Treat ice with sand, salt, or suitable traction materials.
  • Coordinate snow removal timing with municipal plowing schedules.

Lexington Code Enforcement Contact
Phone: (781) 698-4530
Report online: Lexington 311 System

The Lexington Department of Public Works (DPW) maintains approximately 180 lane miles of public roadways. As plows clear these roads, snow is often deposited at the end of driveways, requiring homeowners to clear entrances a second time. Coordination is essential—monitor municipal plowing progress via the Lexington DPW website or local alerts, and delay final driveway clearing until plows have finished neighborhood routes.

• Driveway clearing best practices:
  • Maintain a driveway width of at least 10-12 feet for emergency and vehicle access.
  • Create snow storage on your property, away from street edges.
  • Never deposit snow or ice onto public streets—this violates local ordinance and is subject to fines.

Residential Properties Throughout Lexington Neighborhoods

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

Lexington Center: The historic heart of Lexington features classic single-family homes, older multi-family properties, and mixed-use buildings, with narrow sidewalks and limited off-street parking. Snow storage and sidewalk clearing are complicated by high pedestrian traffic and preservation requirements for historic properties.

Follen Heights: This residential neighborhood is characterized by hilly terrain and winding streets, with many mid-century single-family homes. Steep driveways and sloped yards require diligent snow removal and ice treatment to ensure safe access.

Hastings Park Area: A blend of single-family homes and small apartment buildings, this district has wider lots but faces challenges with shared driveways and increased on-street parking. Coordination among neighbors is often necessary for effective snow clearing.

Battle Green District: Featuring historic houses and row homes, this area sees dense on-street parking, tight property lines, and the need for careful sidewalk and curb ramp maintenance to comply with accessibility standards.

Five Fields: Known for its modernist architecture and community layout, Five Fields properties often include shared access roads and communal green spaces. Coordinating snow removal among several property owners is essential for safe mobility.

Estabrook Woods Vicinity: Larger lots and long driveways are common in this semi-rural area. Homeowners must manage extensive snow removal on private drives, with additional attention to maintaining emergency access routes.

Lexington Ridge: This newer suburban-style neighborhood features wide streets, attached garages, and larger driveways, but heavy snowfalls can create significant snow banks along property edges, requiring both plowing and snow relocation.

East Lexington: A mix of classic colonials, duplexes, and multi-family dwellings, East Lexington faces the challenges of shared parking areas, narrow access points, and older infrastructure that may require extra attention during snow events.