Beverly Residential Snow Plowing Services

Beverly Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law establishes a comprehensive framework for residential snow removal responsibilities, ensuring that property owners, landlords, and tenants understand their duties during winter months. 105 CMR 410.260 defines these obligations, mandating that means of egress and walkways must be kept clear of snow and ice based on property type and occupancy. In Beverly, these state requirements intersect with municipal ordinances that require homeowners and property managers to clear sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall ends. Beyond sidewalks, Beverly property owners must maintain safe and accessible paths to entrances, garages, parking areas, and other critical facilities throughout the winter season. These requirements aim to prevent hazards, provide safe passage for pedestrians, and ensure emergency access at all times.

Beverly Inspectional Services Department
191 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA 01915
Phone: (978) 921-6025
Official Website: Inspectional Services Department

Beverly Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Beverly's residential snow removal ordinance (Beverly Code of Ordinances Section 21-1) establishes penalties for non-compliance with sidewalk clearing and snow placement rules. The fine structure is as follows:

• Single-family and small multi-family properties (up to 16 units): $50 per violation
• Large multi-family buildings (17 or more units): $100 per violation
• Each day of non-compliance: Constitutes a separate violation, with additional fines for each day
• Depositing snow on public streets: $100–$200 additional penalty depending on the volume and circumstances

Enforcement is conducted both proactively and in response to complaints. Beverly Inspectional Services investigates reports submitted through the Beverly 311 system, with field inspectors documenting infractions and issuing citations as needed. Landlords should note that property owners of record are always cited for violations, even if lease agreements assign snow removal duties to tenants. Owners must seek reimbursement from tenants for any fines through separate legal action if tenants fail to fulfill their responsibilities.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 requires landlords to maintain all means of egress free from snow and ice, a duty that generally cannot be transferred to tenants by lease. Landlords are responsible for ensuring safe access in all types of properties, and must comply with both state and local requirements regardless of agreements with occupants.

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, exterior shared stairs, parking lots, walkways, and curb ramps. These are considered the landlord’s full responsibility, regardless of lease provisions.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants may be assigned responsibility for snow removal from private driveways and stairs only if the lease explicitly states this. However, the landlord remains legally liable for ensuring compliance.
• Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants may only be assigned snow removal duties for exclusive-use areas—such as private driveways, walkways, patios, decks, or parking spaces—so long as these areas are not shared with other tenants. Such assignments must be explicit in the lease agreement. Responsibilities for shared or common areas cannot be transferred and remain the landlord’s duty.

Landlords cannot transfer responsibility for common areas to tenants through lease provisions; such clauses are void under Massachusetts law.

Beverly Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Beverly must perform comprehensive winter maintenance, extending from public sidewalks to private driveways and all pedestrian access routes. Homeowners are fully liable for slip-and-fall incidents that occur due to inadequate snow and ice removal anywhere on their property.

• Clear all driveways and walkways from sidewalks to every building entrance
• Remove snow from outdoor stairs, stoops, porches, and decks to prevent trip and fall hazards
• Clear areas around garbage collection points, utility meters, and emergency egresses
• Treat ice with sand, salt, or traction materials to reduce risk of slipping
• Coordinate driveway clearing with municipal plowing schedules for efficiency

Beverly Code Enforcement Contact:
Phone: (978) 921-6025
Report online: Beverly 311 System

The Beverly Department of Public Works (DPW) plows approximately 190 lane miles of roadway, which may result in snow being pushed back into driveways after initial clearing. Homeowners are encouraged to anticipate additional clearing after plow passes. Best practices include monitoring Beverly’s DPW Snow & Ice Program for plowing updates, delaying final clearing until plows have completed neighborhood routes, maintaining a 10–12 foot driveway width for safe vehicle access, and storing snow away from street edges. Depositing snow onto public streets is strictly prohibited and subject to fines.

Residential Properties Throughout Beverly Neighborhoods

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

Centerville: This predominantly single-family neighborhood features long driveways and larger front setbacks, requiring substantial snow storage and careful coordination with city plowing schedules. Many homes have wide driveways and attached garages, emphasizing the need for driveway and walkway maintenance.

Ryal Side: Characterized by a mix of single- and two-family homes with narrow streets and limited on-street parking, Ryal Side faces challenges related to snow storage and maintaining clear pedestrian routes. Properties often need creative solutions for managing snow piles and keeping curb cuts open.

Downtown Beverly: With dense multi-family buildings, triple-deckers, and row houses, Downtown Beverly presents significant challenges for sidewalk and curb ramp clearing. Shared entryways and limited private snow storage areas require coordinated efforts between neighbors and property managers.

Montserrat: This area contains a range of historic homes and multi-family properties, many with sloped lots and narrow driveways. Snow removal must account for preservation requirements and careful handling of steps, stoops, and unique architectural features.

Beverly Farms: A mix of suburban-style homes and historic cottages, Beverly Farms features long, sometimes steep driveways and private roads. Properties in this area must ensure access for emergency vehicles and coordinate with private plowing contractors when necessary.

North Beverly: Predominantly suburban, North Beverly consists of larger lots, cul-de-sacs, and attached garages. Wide driveways require significant clearing, and homeowners must pay attention to sidewalk accessibility for school routes and bus stops.

Goat Hill: This neighborhood includes a mix of single-family homes, multi-family residences, and some older structures with limited off-street parking. Narrow access and limited snow storage create unique challenges for both property owners and city plows.

Prides Crossing: Featuring a blend of historic estates and newer residential developments, Prides Crossing properties often have extensive driveways and private lanes. Snow removal here requires both equipment suited for large areas and careful attention to preserving historic landscaping and infrastructure.