Walpole Residential Snow Plowing Services

Walpole Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law establishes a regulatory framework for residential snow removal, placing specific obligations on property owners, landlords, and tenants. 105 CMR 410.260 defines these duties based on occupancy arrangements and property type. In the Town of Walpole, municipal ordinances require homeowners and property managers to clear sidewalks adjacent to their property within 24 hours after snowfall ends, aligning local mandates with state requirements and supporting safe pedestrian access throughout winter.

Beyond sidewalk clearance, Walpole property owners are responsible for maintaining safe access routes to homes, garages, parking spaces, and other essential facilities. This includes removal of snow and treatment of ice on all access pathways and entrances to ensure compliance with both state and municipal guidelines.

• Sidewalks: Must be cleared within 24 hours after the end of snowfall to a minimum width of 36 inches.
• Entrances and Exits: All means of egress, including pathways to doors and garages, must remain free of snow and ice.
• Parking Areas: Access to residential parking and driveways must remain unobstructed.

For further information or to clarify compliance requirements, contact:

Walpole Inspectional Services Department
135 School Street, Walpole, MA 02081
Phone: (508) 660-7324
Official Website: Walpole Inspectional Services Department

Walpole Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

The Town of Walpole enforces snow removal violations under Chapter 505 of the Walpole Town Code. Non-compliance with residential snow removal requirements may lead to the following fines:

• Single-family and small multi-family properties (≤16 units): $50 per violation per day
• Large multi-family buildings (17+ units): $100 per violation per day
• Depositing snow onto public streets or sidewalks: Additional penalty of $100–$300 per incident, depending on severity and volume

Each day of non-compliance constitutes a separate violation and may result in cumulative fines. Enforcement is conducted through a combination of proactive inspections and response to resident complaints, which can be submitted via the Walpole Report a Concern system. Field inspectors document violations, issue citations, and maintain records for legal purposes.

It is important for landlords to note that property owners remain legally responsible for sidewalk clearing violations even when lease agreements assign snow removal duties to tenants. The Town of Walpole issues citations to the property owner of record, who must then seek reimbursement from non-compliant tenants through separate legal proceedings.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 establishes that landlords are required to keep all means of egress—such as exits, stairways, and pathways—free from snow and ice obstructions. These obligations generally cannot be waived or transferred to tenants through lease provisions, except in limited circumstances for single-family homes with exclusive-use areas.

The following outlines landlord and tenant responsibilities:

• Multi-Family Properties: Landlords are responsible for clearing common entrances, shared stairways, parking lots, curb ramps, and all walkways. Exterior shared stairs and sidewalks remain the full responsibility of the property owner under both state law and Walpole ordinance.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants may be assigned responsibility for private driveways and stairs if the lease explicitly states these duties. However, landlords retain ultimate liability for compliance.
• Tenant Obligations: Tenants may only be assigned snow removal if they occupy single-family homes, have exclusive access to private entrances, and the lease contains written responsibility. This does not extend to common or shared areas.

Important: Landlords cannot transfer responsibility for shared or common areas through lease provisions, as such clauses are void under Massachusetts law.

For questions or to report disputes, contact:

MA Attorney General’s Office
One Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 727-2200
Official Website: AG Landlord-Tenant Guide

Walpole Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Walpole require continuous winter maintenance extending from public sidewalks through to private driveways, walkways, and all pedestrian access routes. Homeowners are fully liable for slip-and-fall incidents resulting from insufficient snow or ice removal on their property.

• Driveways and Walkways: Clear all driveways and walkways from the sidewalk to every building entrance.
• Stairs, Stoops, and Decks: Remove snow and ice from all stairs, stoops, porches, and decks.
• Critical Access Points: Keep garbage collection points, utility meters, and emergency egresses accessible.
• Ice Treatment: Use sand, salt, or appropriate traction materials on icy surfaces.
• Municipal Coordination: Monitor and coordinate with Walpole DPW plowing schedules.

Walpole Code Enforcement Contact:
Phone: (508) 660-7324
Report online: Walpole 311 System

Municipal plows operated by the Walpole Department of Public Works (DPW) may deposit snow across cleared driveway entrances during operations, as they maintain over 150 lane miles of municipal roadways. Homeowners should anticipate the need for secondary clearing after plows have passed.

• Monitor municipal plowing: Track plowing progress via the Walpole DPW website or town notifications.
• Delay final clearing: Wait until plows have completed your neighborhood before performing final driveway clearance.
• Maintain driveway width: Keep at least 10–12 feet clear for vehicle access.
• Snow storage: Pile snow away from the street and avoid blocking sidewalks or fire hydrants.
• No street dumping: Never deposit snow onto public streets, which violates town ordinance and results in fines.

Residential Properties Throughout Walpole Neighborhoods

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

East Walpole Single-Family Districts: This area features classic single-family homes with long driveways and mature trees. Snow removal here requires attention to driveway length, tight turns, and the presence of landscape elements.

South Walpole Suburban Developments: Newer subdivisions with wide driveways and attached garages are common. These homes often experience high wind drifts and require broad driveway and walkway clearing.

Walpole Center Historic Neighborhoods: Many properties are historic residences with stone steps, narrow walkways, and preservation requirements. Equipment selection and snow storage must account for limited space and sensitive structures.

North Walpole Multi-Family Complexes: These developments include garden-style apartments and townhomes with shared parking lots, requiring coordinated snow removal across common areas, walkways, and curb ramps.

Old Post Road Corridor: This corridor includes both traditional row houses and smaller multi-family buildings. Narrow lot lines and limited street parking pose unique access and snow piling challenges.

West Walpole Estates: A suburban-style area with larger lots, extended driveways, and private cul-de-sacs. Plowing is often needed for long access roads, and snow storage must be managed to avoid blocking garage entrances.

High Plain Neighborhoods: Characterized by steep slopes and winding roads, these neighborhoods demand extra caution for traction and effective ice management on both driveways and walkways.

South Street Village Homes: Mixed-use zones with compact single-family homes and some duplexes. Shared driveways and close proximity to major roads heighten the importance of timely snow removal and clear pedestrian routes.