Quincy Residential Snow Plowing Services

Quincy Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law provides a framework for residential snow removal responsibilities, ensuring public safety and accessibility during winter months. 105 CMR 410.260 establishes specific obligations for property owners, landlords, and tenants, depending on property type and occupancy arrangements. In Quincy, these statewide requirements intersect with local ordinances requiring property owners to clear sidewalks abutting their property within 12 hours after snowfall ends, as stipulated by the city’s code. Homeowners must also maintain safe, passable access to building entrances, garages, and parking facilities throughout winter, not limited to sidewalk areas alone. These duties are essential to reduce liability risks and provide continuous access for emergency services and pedestrians.

• Sidewalk Clearing: Required within 12 hours of storm cessation for all residential properties.
• Access Routes: Maintain clear and safe passage to home entrances, garages, and parking areas.
• Comprehensive Maintenance: Responsibilities extend to driveways, stairs, ramps, and other access points connected to the property.

Quincy Inspectional Services Department
City Hall Annex, 1305 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA 02169
Phone: (617) 376-2010
Official Website: Quincy Inspectional Services Department

Quincy Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Quincy enforces residential snow removal through its municipal code, specifically Ordinance Chapter 17.08. Failure to clear snow and ice from sidewalks as required results in the following fines:

• 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: $50–$100 additional penalty, depending on severity and volume.

Each day a property remains non-compliant is treated as a separate violation, accruing additional fines. Enforcement is carried out through both proactive inspections and response to citizen complaints. Reports may be filed using the city’s 311 system. Inspectional Services staff will document violations, issue citations, and maintain records for ongoing enforcement. Importantly, even if lease agreements assign snow removal duties to tenants, the property owner of record remains legally responsible for compliance and receives any citations. Owners must pursue reimbursement from tenants separately if applicable.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 sets non-negotiable requirements for landlords, particularly in multi-family housing, to keep all means of egress free from snow and ice. These responsibilities cannot be transferred to tenants via lease provisions in almost all circumstances and apply across all Massachusetts municipalities.

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 must clear common entrances, shared stairs, parking areas, walkways, and all curb ramps per city ordinance. Complete responsibility remains with the property owner for these areas.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants may be assigned responsibility for private driveways and entrances only if the lease includes an explicit, written clause. However, landlords still retain ultimate liability for any non-compliance.
• Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants can be assigned snow removal duties only for exclusive-use areas, such as their own driveways, entrances, patios, or private parking spaces, and only with written agreement. Shared or common areas cannot be delegated; any lease provision attempting to do so is void under MA law.

Quincy Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Quincy are required to maintain not just public sidewalks but also private driveways and all pedestrian access routes during winter. Homeowners are fully liable for any slip-and-fall incidents resulting from insufficient snow or ice removal on their property.

• Clear driveways and walkways: Ensure safe passage from street or sidewalk to every building entrance.
• Outdoor stairs, stoops, porches, and decks: Remove snow and treat for ice to prevent hazards.
• Garbage collection points and utility meters: Maintain clear access for service and emergency needs.
• Emergency egress routes: Keep all exits accessible at all times.
• Ice treatment: Use sand, salt, or similar materials to provide traction and reduce risk.
• Municipal plowing coordination: Monitor city plowing schedules to avoid repeated clearing efforts.

Quincy Code Enforcement Contact
Phone: (617) 376-2010
Report online: Quincy 311 System

The Quincy Department of Public Works (DPW) maintains over 400 lane miles of roadway, and municipal plowing can deposit snow back onto cleared driveway entrances. Homeowners should expect to clear driveways again after city plows pass. To coordinate effectively, monitor plow progress through the Quincy website and delay final clearing until plows have finished in your area. Maintain a minimum driveway width of 10–12 feet for vehicle access and store snow away from street edges. Never deposit snow onto public streets, as this violates city ordinance and is subject to fines.

Residential Properties Throughout Quincy Neighborhoods

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

Merrymount: This historic neighborhood features single-family homes with sloped driveways and mature landscaping. Snow storage and walkability are key concerns, especially on narrow side streets.

North Quincy: Dense with multi-family buildings and triple-deckers, North Quincy presents challenges for sidewalk clearing, shared access points, and limited snow storage along busy corridors.

Wollaston: Characterized by a mix of row houses, classic triple-deckers, and small apartment complexes, Wollaston requires careful coordination for shared walkways, parking areas, and curb ramps.

Houghs Neck: A peninsula community with older homes, narrow roads, and coastal exposure. Unique factors include saltwater spray, wind-driven drifts, and tight driveways requiring specialized equipment.

Quincy Point: This area includes both historic residences and modern multi-unit dwellings. Snow removal often involves coordinating shared driveways and maintaining clear access to rear parking lots.

Squantum: Suburban-style single-family homes dominate, but proximity to water means additional vigilance for ice accumulation and safe egress from garages and entryways.

West Quincy: Features hilly terrain and large lots with long driveways, creating significant snow management needs and logistical challenges for plowing and snow storage.

Montclair: A family-oriented section with a blend of older and newer homes, where corner lots and school zones require enhanced attention to sidewalk and crosswalk clearing for student safety.