Belmont Residential Snow Plowing Services

Belmont Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law provides the foundational framework for residential snow removal responsibilities in all cities, including Belmont. 105 CMR 410.260 (Massachusetts State Sanitary Code) specifically defines the obligations of property owners, landlords, and tenants based on property type and occupancy arrangements. In Belmont, state regulations intersect with municipal ordinances requiring property owners and occupants to clear snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their property within 24 hours after snowfall ends, as stipulated by the Belmont General Bylaw Section 60-800. Homeowners must also ensure safe access to residences, garages, and parking areas throughout the winter season, going beyond sidewalk clearing to include all primary pedestrian routes and access points.

• Sidewalks: Must be cleared to a minimum width of 36 inches within 24 hours after snow ceases.
• Access Routes: Safe passage to all home entrances, garages, and parking facilities must be maintained, including application of sand or salt as needed.
• Additional Duties: Remove snow and ice from exterior stairs, walkways, and emergency exits.

Belmont Inspectional Services Department
19 Moore Street, Belmont, MA 02478
Phone: (617) 993-2664
Official Website: Belmont Inspectional Services Department

Belmont Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

The Town of Belmont enforces residential snow removal through Section 60-800 of the General Bylaw, outlining specific fines for violations. For single-family homes and small multi-family properties (16 units or fewer), the penalty for failure to clear sidewalks is $50 per violation. For large multi-family buildings (17 or more units), the fine is $100 per violation. Each day that a violation persists constitutes a separate offense and is subject to additional fines. Depositing snow onto a public street or sidewalk may incur an additional penalty ranging from $100 to $250 depending on the volume and circumstances.

• Single-Family / Small Multi-Family: $50 per day of non-compliance.
• Large Multi-Family (17+ units): $100 per day of non-compliance.
• Depositing Snow on Streets: $100–$250 additional penalty.

Enforcement is managed through both proactive inspections and complaint-driven citations. Belmont Inspectional Services investigates reports of violations submitted via the Belmont 311 Online Request System. Field inspectors document conditions and issue citations as needed.

Important for Landlords: The property owner of record remains liable for all sidewalk clearing violations, regardless of lease provisions assigning snow removal duties to tenants. Citations are issued to the property owner, who must pursue reimbursement from tenants through separate legal processes.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 establishes non-negotiable landlord obligations regarding snow and ice removal. Landlords must keep all means of egress free from snow and ice obstructions, and these responsibilities cannot be transferred to tenants for common or shared areas via lease agreements except in limited circumstances.

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 all common entrances, exterior shared stairways, parking lots, walkways, and curb ramps.
  • Lease agreements cannot assign these duties to tenants.
• Single-Family Rental Homes:
  • Tenants may be assigned responsibility for private driveways and stairs if explicitly stated in a written lease.
  • Landlords retain overall liability even when duties are delegated.
• Tenant Responsibilities:
  • Applicable only for single-family homes with dedicated drives and entrances, and with written assignment.
  • Personal-use spaces, such as private patios or parking, may be assigned.
  • Shared/common areas remain the landlord’s legal responsibility; lease clauses to the contrary are void.

Belmont Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Belmont require comprehensive snow and ice management from the public sidewalk to private driveways and all pedestrian access points. Homeowners maintain full liability for slip-and-fall incidents arising from inadequate removal.

• Clear driveways and walkways from the public sidewalk to all building entrances.
• Remove snow from outdoor stairs, stoops, porches, and decks.
• Clear garbage collection points, utility meters, and emergency egresses to ensure safe access for residents and first responders.
• Treat ice with sand, salt, or other traction materials.
• Coordinate with municipal plowing schedules to avoid repeated accumulation at driveway aprons.

Belmont Code Enforcement Contact
Phone: (617) 993-2664
Report online: Belmont 311 System

Belmont Public Works (DPW) maintains approximately 85 lane miles of roadway and plowing operations often deposit snow across already cleared driveway entrances. Homeowners should anticipate re-clearing after plows pass. Best practices include monitoring DPW plowing progress through the Belmont DPW website, delaying final driveway clearing until routes are complete, maintaining a 10–12 foot driveway width for safe vehicle access, and creating snow storage areas away from street edges. Depositing snow onto public streets is prohibited and subject to fines.

Residential Properties Throughout Belmont Neighborhoods

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

Winn Brook: This predominantly single-family residential area features detached homes with private driveways and generous yards. Snow removal challenges include wide curb cuts, long driveways, and the need for efficient snow storage away from sidewalks.

Belmont Hill: Noted for its steep grades and large lots, Belmont Hill’s historic and modern properties often have lengthy, sloped driveways and multiple garage entrances. Snow and ice management must address elevation changes and access for emergency vehicles.

Harvard Lawn: Characterized by a mix of two-family and triple-decker homes, this neighborhood has narrow driveways and shared parking areas. Clearing snow from shared walkways and maintaining access for multiple occupants is a frequent concern.

Cushing Square: This dense district features row houses, multi-family buildings, and mixed-use properties. Limited snow storage and high pedestrian traffic require precise clearing and frequent attention to sidewalks and curb ramps.

Payson Park: Suburban-style homes with moderate-sized lots and driveways are common in Payson Park. The area’s moderate slopes and cul-de-sacs present unique plowing and snow relocation needs.

Waverley Square: A blend of multi-family complexes and older homes, Waverley Square presents challenges related to shared parking lots, aging infrastructure, and narrow alleyways requiring specialized equipment.

Beaver Brook: This district includes historic properties, townhouses, and apartment buildings near conservation land. Snow removal must account for preservation requirements and limited vehicle access.

Little Pond Area: Featuring newer developments and townhouse clusters, the Little Pond area has shared driveways, private roads, and communal spaces that require coordinated snow clearance among homeowners or associations.