Bridgewater Residential Snow Plowing Services

Bridgewater Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law establishes a comprehensive framework for residential snow removal responsibilities, which applies to all property owners, landlords, and tenants in Bridgewater. 105 CMR 410.260 defines these obligations, setting minimum standards for maintaining safe, unobstructed access to and from dwellings. In Bridgewater, municipal ordinances require that sidewalks adjacent to residential properties be cleared of snow and ice within 24 hours after snowfall ends. These local rules work in conjunction with state law, meaning homeowners must comply with both sets of requirements.

• Sidewalks: Must be cleared to a width of at least 36 inches within 24 hours after precipitation ends, per Bridgewater ordinance.
• Access Routes: Property owners are responsible for maintaining clear, safe paths to all building entrances, garages, and parking areas.
• Additional Duties: Snow and ice must be removed from driveways, walkways, and areas leading to utility meters and emergency exits throughout the winter months.

For more information or to address compliance concerns, contact:

Bridgewater Inspectional Services Department
66 Central Square, Bridgewater, MA 02324
Phone: (508) 697-0903
Official Website: Inspectional Services Department

Bridgewater Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Bridgewater’s municipal code outlines penalties for failure to comply with residential snow removal requirements. The General Bylaws specify a fine structure for non-compliance:

• 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 on public streets: $50-$200 additional penalty per incident, depending on the volume and severity.

Enforcement is conducted through both proactive inspections and complaint-driven citations. Residents can report violations via the Bridgewater 311 system. Inspectional Services staff investigate reports, document conditions, and issue citations as necessary. Each day a property remains non-compliant constitutes a separate violation subject to additional fines. Property owners remain liable for clearing sidewalks even if lease agreements assign the responsibility to tenants; the city issues citations to the owner of record, who must then seek reimbursement from tenants through separate legal action.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 establishes non-negotiable landlord responsibilities regarding snow and ice removal. Landlords must keep all means of egress free from snow and ice obstructions, regardless of lease provisions, except in specific situations detailed below.

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 clearing common entrances, stairways, parking lots, walkways, and any shared exterior stairs or curb ramps, as required by Bridgewater ordinances.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants may be assigned responsibility for private driveways and stairs only if the lease contains a clear, written provision; however, landlords retain ultimate liability for ensuring compliance.

• Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants may only be assigned snow removal duties for areas serving exclusively their unit (such as private driveways, entrances, patios, or decks) and only with explicit written agreement. Shared/common areas cannot be delegated to tenants—such provisions are void under Massachusetts law.

Bridgewater Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Bridgewater are required to maintain safe winter conditions not only on public sidewalks, but also on private driveways and pedestrian paths. Homeowners are fully liable for injuries resulting from inadequate snow and ice removal, including slip-and-fall incidents.

• Clear driveways and walkways: Maintain safe, passable routes from the sidewalk to all building entrances.
• Remove snow from stairs, stoops, porches, and decks: Ensure all exterior steps and platforms are free of snow and ice.
• Clear garbage collection points, utility meters, and emergency egresses: Maintain accessibility for essential services and emergency situations.
• Treat ice: Use sand, salt, or other traction materials to reduce slipping hazards.
• Coordinate with municipal plowing: Avoid clearing driveways until after city plows have finished neighborhood routes.

Bridgewater Code Enforcement Contact:
Phone: (508) 697-0903
Report online: Bridgewater 311 System

The Bridgewater Department of Public Works (DPW) maintains approximately 140 lane miles of roadways. During snow events, DPW plowing may inadvertently deposit snow across driveway entrances. Homeowners should anticipate the need for additional clearing once plows have passed. Best practices include monitoring plowing schedules via the Bridgewater Snow Information page, delaying final driveway clearing until routes are complete, maintaining a 10-12 foot width for access, and storing snow away from street edges. It is a violation of local ordinance to deposit snow onto public streets, and such actions are subject to fines.

Residential Properties Throughout Bridgewater Neighborhoods

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

Central Square Historic District: This area features older single-family homes, historic structures, and narrow public sidewalks. Snow removal requires attention to preservation guidelines and careful coordination to avoid damage to masonry and landscape features.

Elmwood Neighborhood: Predominantly composed of suburban-style single-family homes with long driveways and wide front yards. The main challenges include maintaining large driveway surfaces, managing snow storage, and preventing street runoff.

Bridgewater State University Area: Densely populated with multi-family buildings and student rentals. Properties often have limited off-street parking and shared walkways, requiring frequent clearing and careful attention to tenant-landlord responsibilities.

High Street Corridor: Characterized by triple-decker and row house residences, this corridor presents tight access points and minimal snow storage space. Clearing narrow walkways and shared steps is essential for safety and compliance.

Titicut Village: This residential zone includes a mix of single-family and duplex homes, many with sloping driveways and limited curb frontage. Efficient snow management is crucial to prevent ice accumulation on hills and at intersections.

South Bridgewater: Comprising newer subdivisions with cul-de-sacs, this area features wide streets but often lengthy driveways. Homeowners must coordinate with DPW plowing to ensure driveways remain accessible after municipal clearing.

Scotland Street Rural Area: Characterized by larger lots and private roads, these properties require homeowners to maintain long stretches of driveway and ensure access for emergency vehicles. Snow storage and access to main roads are key concerns.

Water Street/Olde Towne District: A mix of historic homes and small multi-family buildings, many with stone walls and mature trees. Special considerations include protecting landscaping and maintaining access for utility services.