Cohasset Residential Snow Plowing Services

Cohasset Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law provides the foundation for residential snow removal responsibilities, requiring property owners, landlords, and tenants to adhere to established safety and accessibility standards. The 105 CMR 410.260 regulation specifically outlines obligations for residential property owners and occupants, with requirements varying by property type and occupancy. In Cohasset, these state regulations are complemented by municipal ordinances, which require property owners to clear sidewalks abutting their properties within 24 hours after the end of snowfall. Homeowners are also responsible for maintaining safe access routes to homes, garages, and parking facilities throughout the winter season, ensuring all egress points are free from snow and ice to mitigate hazards and comply with legal standards.

In addition to sidewalk clearing, property owners must address all pathways used for regular access, including driveways, entry walks, and any designated emergency exits. The scope of responsibility extends to any surface that facilitates entry or exit for residents, visitors, or emergency personnel.

Cohasset Inspectional Services Department
41 Highland Avenue, Cohasset, MA 02025
Phone: (781) 383-4100
Official Website: Inspectional Services Department

Cohasset Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Cohasset’s local code (Town of Cohasset Code § 194-1) enforces strict fines for violations of residential snow removal requirements. Property owners who fail to clear sidewalks within 24 hours of a storm’s end may be subject to fines as follows:

• Single-family and small multi-family properties (up to 16 units): $25 per violation
• Large multi-family buildings (17 or more units): $100 per violation
• Depositing snow onto public streets: $50–$200 additional penalty, based on the amount and impact

Each day a violation continues is treated as a separate offense, incurring additional fines. Enforcement is conducted through both proactive inspections and complaint-driven investigations. Residents can report violations using the Cohasset SeeClickFix system. Inspectional Services investigates these reports by dispatching inspectors to document violations, issue citations, and track compliance. Importantly, property owners are held liable for sidewalk clearing violations, even if lease agreements assign snow removal duties to tenants. The City will issue citations to the property owner of record, who must seek reimbursement from non-compliant tenants through separate legal channels.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 mandates that landlords maintain all means of egress free from snow and ice blockages. These obligations generally cannot be transferred to tenants via lease provisions, except in specific single-family scenarios. Landlords must ensure that all building exits, common areas, and access routes remain safe and accessible during and after snow events.

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 responsible for clearing common entrances, stairways, parking lots, shared walkways, and exterior stairs. This includes ensuring curb ramps are accessible per Cohasset requirements.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants may only be assigned snow removal duties for private driveways and stairs if a written lease explicitly states so. Landlords remain legally liable for overall compliance.
• Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants can only be made responsible for snow removal when renting a single-family home with exclusive-use areas (private driveways, entrances, patios, or parking) and when this is clearly outlined in the lease. Shared or common areas remain the landlord’s responsibility by law.

Any attempt by landlords to transfer responsibility for shared areas through the lease is void and unenforceable under Massachusetts law.

Cohasset Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Cohasset are required to maintain all access routes, including private driveways, from the public sidewalk to every building entrance. Failure to do so exposes homeowners to full liability for slip-and-fall incidents resulting from inadequate snow or ice removal. Responsibilities extend beyond basic sidewalk clearing to encompass comprehensive winter maintenance.

• Clear driveways and walkways: Maintain safe passage from sidewalks to all entrances.
• Remove snow from outdoor stairs, stoops, porches, and decks: Ensure all egress routes are unobstructed.
• Clear garbage collection points, utility meters, and emergency exits: Maintain access for essential services.
• Treat ice: Use sand, salt, or traction materials to prevent slips.
• Coordinate with municipal plowing schedules: Anticipate and respond to secondary snow depositions.

Cohasset Code Enforcement Contact
Phone: (781) 383-4100
Report online: Cohasset 311 System

The Cohasset Department of Public Works maintains approximately 90 lane miles of roadway, and municipal plowing will often redeposit snow at driveway entrances. Homeowners are advised to delay final driveway clearing until plows have completed their routes. Best practices include maintaining a driveway width of at least 10–12 feet for vehicle access, storing snow away from street edges, and never shoveling or blowing snow into public streets, which is a violation subject to fines. Residents can monitor DPW plowing progress using the Cohasset DPW website.

Residential Properties Throughout Cohasset Neighborhoods

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

Village Center/Downtown Cohasset: Historic homes and mixed-use properties line narrow streets with limited snow storage and high pedestrian activity. Clearing efforts must balance accessibility with preservation of historic features and compliance with sidewalk ordinances.

Beechwood Neighborhood: Primarily single-family homes on wooded lots, many with long, sloping driveways that require special equipment for safe snow removal and attention to tree overhangs and private access roads.

Jerusalem Road Corridor: Features large waterfront estates and multi-acre properties. Driveways can be lengthy and winding, with coastal exposure increasing ice accumulation and requiring additional treatment.

Black Rock Village: A planned multi-family and condominium development with shared roadways, parking areas, and communal walkways. Coordinating snow removal across common areas is critical for resident safety and HOA compliance.

West Corner/Border Streets: Densely populated areas near the Hull and Hingham lines, with smaller lot sizes and multi-unit homes. Narrow streets and limited off-street parking complicate snow storage and equipment access.

Central Village Green Area: Includes historic houses and triple-decker residences around the green, where shared stairs and public walkways demand coordinated clearing efforts and close attention to municipal requirements.

South Main Street Corridor: Suburban-style developments with attached garages and wide driveways, but with deep setbacks from the road that require extended clearing for both vehicles and pedestrians.

Atlantic Avenue Coastal Homes: A mix of older cottages and newer single-family builds along the waterfront, where steep driveways and exposure to ocean winds create frequent drifting and icy conditions, demanding vigilant snow and ice management.