Hingham Residential Snow Plowing Services

Hingham Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law establishes a clear framework of responsibilities for residential snow removal, affecting property owners, landlords, and tenants statewide. 105 CMR 410.260 defines the legal obligations for maintaining safe, unobstructed access on residential properties according to property type and occupancy. In Hingham, these state-level requirements are supplemented by municipal ordinances that require residential property owners to remove snow and ice from sidewalks bordering their property within 24 hours after snowfall has ended. Beyond sidewalks, owners must maintain safe access to all home entrances, garages, driveways, and parking areas throughout the winter season to ensure compliance and minimize liability risks.

• Sidewalks: Must be cleared within 24 hours of snowfall ending, per town ordinance.
• Access Routes: Includes private walkways, driveways, and paths to all building entrances.
• Parking Areas: Safe access to and from parking facilities must be maintained at all times.
• Accessibility: Owners are responsible for keeping all egresses free from snow and ice to comply with state and local codes.

Hingham Inspectional Services Department
210 Central Street, Hingham, MA 02043
Phone: (781) 741-1420
Official Website: Hingham Inspectional Services Department

Hingham Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Hingham’s snow removal ordinance details penalties for failing to clear sidewalks and for improper snow disposal. The fine structure is as follows:

• Single-family and small multi-family buildings (up to 16 units): $50 per violation, per day.
• Large multi-family buildings (17 units or more): $100 per violation, per day.
• Depositing snow on public streets: $100–$200 per incident, depending on the volume and impact.

Each day a property remains non-compliant is counted as a separate violation, increasing financial risk for property owners. Enforcement may result from proactive town inspections or complaint-driven citations. Residents may file snow removal complaints through the Hingham Citizen Request Tracker (311 system equivalent). Upon receiving a report, field inspectors document the violation and issue citations to the property owner of record.

Landlords: Even if a lease assigns snow removal duties to a tenant, the property owner remains legally responsible for compliance. The Town of Hingham cites the property owner, who must seek reimbursement from tenants independently.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 establishes non-negotiable requirements for snow and ice removal in all residential rental properties. Landlords are legally required to keep all means of egress—including stairs, porches, walkways, and exits—free from snow and ice obstructions, regardless of lease assignments, except where permitted for single-family rentals.

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, stairways, parking lots, and shared walkways.
  • Exterior shared stairs and curb ramps are the full responsibility of the property owner.
• Single-Family Rental Homes:
  • Tenants may be assigned responsibility for exclusive-use driveways and stairs through written lease agreements.
  • Landlord retains overall liability, even if duties are delegated.
• Tenant Responsibilities:
  • Assignment is valid only for exclusive-use areas in single-family rentals with explicit written terms.
  • Tenants may not be assigned responsibility for shared/common areas; such clauses are void under state law.

Hingham Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

In Hingham, owner-occupied residential properties must maintain all access routes, including driveways and pedestrian paths, to minimize slip-and-fall risks and ensure year-round accessibility. Homeowners are fully liable for injuries due to inadequate snow or ice removal on their property.

• Clear driveways and walkways: Ensure safe passage from sidewalks to all building entrances.
• Remove snow from outdoor stairs, porches, and decks: Address all points of entry and egress.
• Clear garbage and utility access: Maintain access to trash collection points and utility meters.
• Treat ice hazards: Use sand, salt, or other traction agents on icy surfaces.
• Coordinate with municipal plowing: Anticipate secondary accumulation at driveway aprons after town plows pass.

Hingham Code Enforcement Contact
Phone: (781) 741-1490
Report online: Hingham 311 System

Hingham’s Department of Public Works plows approximately 140 lane miles of roadways, often resulting in municipal snow being pushed across driveway entrances. Homeowners should monitor plowing progress via the town website and consider delaying final driveway clearing until plows have completed their routes. For best results, maintain a 10–12 foot wide driveway, create snow storage areas set back from the street, and never deposit snow onto public roads, as this is subject to fines under local ordinance.

Residential Properties Throughout Hingham Neighborhoods

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

Downtown Hingham: This historic district features narrow streets, older single-family homes, and occasional row houses. Snow removal is complicated by limited on-street parking, tight driveways, and preservation requirements for historic features.

Bradley Woods: A suburban-style neighborhood with predominantly single-family homes, wider lots, and private driveways. Snow storage and driveway width are primary concerns, particularly where properties have long driveways or sloped access.

Crow Point: Waterfront properties with a mix of cottages and larger homes. Narrow access roads and high winds can create drifting snow and frequent accumulation, making sidewalk and driveway maintenance more demanding.

Liberty Pole: Mid-century suburban development with attached garages and looped street layouts. Driveway clearing is essential for vehicle access, and homeowners must also ensure paths to mailboxes and garbage collection points stay clear.

South Hingham: Larger lots, estate-style homes, and some private roads characterize this area. Driveways are generally long and sometimes hilly, requiring additional attention to snow storage and access for emergency vehicles.

Hingham Centre: Mix of historic homes and newer construction with established trees and landscaping. Snow removal often involves protecting mature landscape features while keeping walkways and shared driveways clear.

Shipyard District: Recent multi-family developments and townhouses with shared parking facilities and private roads. Coordinated snow clearing of common areas and compliance with curb ramp ordinances are vital for resident safety and accessibility.

West Hingham: Blend of single-family homes and smaller multi-family complexes. Properties here face moderate driveway lengths and a mix of flat and sloped terrain, with a need for careful coordination to avoid blocking curbside access and transit stops.