Sharon Residential Snow Plowing Services

Sharon Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law establishes a clear framework for residential snow removal responsibilities that all homeowners, landlords, and tenants in Sharon must follow. The 105 CMR 410.260 regulation outlines obligations for property owners and occupants, depending on the type of property and occupancy arrangements. In Sharon, these state regulations intersect with municipal ordinances that require property owners to remove snow and ice from public sidewalks abutting their property within 24 hours after the end of a snowfall. These obligations extend beyond sidewalks to include maintaining safe access to building entrances, garages, and parking facilities throughout the winter season.

• Sidewalks: Property owners must clear sidewalks abutting their property within 24 hours of snowfall end to maintain safe pedestrian passage.
• Entrances and Exits: All primary building entrances, stairs, and exit routes must be kept free of snow and ice.
• Garages and Parking: Safe access to garages, driveways, and parking areas is required at all times.
• Common Areas: Multi-family property owners must maintain all common walkways and shared access routes.

Sharon Inspectional Services Department
90 South Main Street, Sharon, MA 02067
Phone: (781) 784-1525
Official Website: Sharon Inspectional Services Department

Sharon Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Sharon's municipal code addresses enforcement of snow removal with specific fines for residential violations. According to Sharon General Bylaws Chapter 155-8, failure to remove snow and ice from sidewalks within the required timeframe may result in fines as follows:

• Single-family and small multi-family (up to 16 units): $50 per violation
• Large multi-family buildings (17+ units): $100 per violation
• Each day of non-compliance: Treated as a separate violation, incurring additional fines
• Depositing snow on public streets: $100–$200 additional penalty depending on volume and obstruction

Enforcement is conducted through both proactive inspections and complaint-driven citations. Reports of violations can be submitted through the Sharon 311 System at Report a Concern. Inspectional Services investigates complaints, documents violations, and issues citations following field inspections. Property owners remain liable for sidewalk clearing violations even if lease agreements assign snow removal to tenants. The City issues citations to owners of record, who must pursue reimbursement from tenants through private legal proceedings.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 establishes that landlords are responsible for maintaining all means of egress free from snow and ice, and these duties generally cannot be transferred to tenants via lease agreements except in limited circumstances. Landlords must ensure that all exits, stairs, walkways, and common areas are safe and accessible after each snowfall.

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 snow and ice removal from all common entrances, stairways, parking areas, shared sidewalks, and curb ramps in accordance with Sharon’s local ordinances.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Responsibility for private driveways and stairs may be assigned to tenants only if explicitly stated in a written lease agreement, but landlords retain legal liability for compliance.
• Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants may only be assigned snow removal duties for exclusive-use areas such as private driveways, entrances, patios, or parking spaces, provided the lease contains clear written provisions. Shared/common area responsibilities cannot be transferred and such lease clauses are void under Massachusetts law.

Sharon Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Sharon are required to implement thorough winter maintenance, encompassing not only public sidewalks but also private driveways and all pedestrian access routes. Homeowners assume full liability for slip-and-fall incidents related to inadequate snow or ice removal on their property.

• Clear all driveways and walkways: Ensure safe passage from public sidewalks to every building entrance.
• Remove snow from stairs, stoops, porches, and decks: Outdoor steps and platforms must be kept free of accumulation.
• Clear garbage and utility access points: Maintain access to trash collection areas, utility meters, and all emergency exits.
• Ice treatment: Apply sand, salt, or traction materials to prevent dangerous icy conditions.
• Coordinate with municipal plowing: Adjust clearing schedules to accommodate Sharon’s DPW plow routes.

Sharon Code Enforcement Contact
Phone: (781) 784-1525
Report online: Sharon 311 System

Sharon Public Works maintains more than 130 lane miles of roadway, and municipal plowing operations may deposit additional snow across freshly cleared driveway entrances. Homeowners are advised to anticipate secondary clearing needs after municipal plows pass. Best practices include monitoring town plowing updates via the Sharon DPW website, delaying final driveway clearing until plows complete their routes, maintaining a minimum 10-12 foot width for vehicle access, and placing snow storage piles away from street edges. Depositing snow onto public streets is prohibited and subject to fines.

Residential Properties Throughout Sharon Neighborhoods

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

East Sharon Estates: This suburban neighborhood features spacious single-family homes with long driveways and wide lawns. Snow removal requires clearing lengthy driveways and ensuring ample snow storage away from main roadways.

Sharon Heights Condominiums: Multi-family complexes with shared parking lots and walkways present unique challenges in maintaining common areas and curb ramps. Equipment access and coordination are critical due to high resident density.

Downtown Sharon Village: Historic row houses and mixed-use residential buildings line narrow streets with limited sidewalk space. Snow storage and sidewalk clearing must adhere to preservation requirements and avoid damaging historic features.

Moose Hill District: Residential areas adjacent to conservation land often have steep slopes and winding driveways. Snow plowing here requires specialized equipment to address terrain and maintain safe access in hilly conditions.

South Main Street Corridor: This district features older single-family homes and small multi-family properties with short driveways and compact yards. Closely spaced homes increase the importance of timely sidewalk and shared access maintenance.

Bay Road Residential Area: Suburban-style homes with large front yards and attached garages face unique snow removal issues, such as long sidewalks and the need to keep garage access free from municipal plow deposits.

Lake Massapoag Shores: Lakeside cottages, seasonal homes, and year-round residences are connected by narrow, private roads. Snow removal here is complicated by limited snow storage options and shared private roadway responsibilities.

Knollwood and Colonial Park: Family neighborhoods with cul-de-sacs and interconnected walkways require coordinated plowing to maintain access for vehicles and pedestrians, especially around school zones and playgrounds.