Foxboro Residential Snow Plowing Services

Foxboro Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law provides the legal foundation for residential snow removal responsibilities, with 105 CMR 410.260 defining specific obligations for property owners, landlords, and tenants according to property type and occupancy. In Foxboro, these statewide requirements are supplemented by municipal ordinances that set a 24-hour deadline for residents and property owners to clear snow and ice from sidewalks following the end of a snowfall. This ordinance aligns with state law, but Foxboro also requires that safe access be maintained not only on public sidewalks but also to all home entrances, garages, parking areas, and building egresses throughout the winter.

• Sidewalk Clearing: Foxboro residents must clear adjacent sidewalks within 24 hours after snow ceases.
• Access Routes: Safe and passable access must be maintained to all dwelling entrances, garages, and parking facilities.
• Continuous Maintenance: Snow and ice must be removed or treated as necessary to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with state and local regulations.

Foxboro Inspectional Services Department
40 South Street, Foxboro, MA 02035
Phone: (508) 543-1208
Official Website: Foxboro Inspectional Services Department

Foxboro Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Foxboro enforces its snow removal ordinance under Chapter 213-16 of the Foxborough General Bylaws. Failure to remove snow and ice within the required 24-hour period can result in escalating fines:

• Single-Family and Small Multi-Family Properties (1-16 units): $50 per violation per day
• Large Multi-Family Buildings (17+ units): $100 per violation per day
• Depositing Snow on Public Streets: $100-$300 additional penalty per incident (amount varies by volume and interference with public operations)

Each day of non-compliance is treated as a separate violation and may result in additional fines. Enforcement is carried out through both proactive inspections and responses to complaints submitted via the town’s online reporting portal. The Inspectional Services Department investigates complaints, documents violations, and issues citations as needed. Importantly, property owners remain liable for sidewalk snow removal—even if their lease agreements assign snow removal duties to tenants. Citations are always issued to the owner of record, who must pursue reimbursement from tenants separately if applicable.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 establishes that landlords have non-transferable legal duties to remove snow and ice from all means of egress. These obligations cannot generally be shifted to tenants, except in very limited circumstances for single-family homes with exclusive-use driveways and entrances.

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

• Multi-Family Properties: Landlords must clear all common entrances, stairways, walkways, parking lots, and curb ramps. Exterior shared stairs and sidewalks are always the responsibility of the property owner, regardless of lease provisions.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants may be assigned responsibility for snow removal from private driveways, personal-use stairs, decks, or patios only if the lease explicitly states this and the area serves only that tenant’s unit. However, the landlord retains legal liability for ensuring compliance.
• Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants can only be assigned snow removal duties for exclusive-use areas by clear written agreement. Landlords cannot transfer responsibility for shared or common areas by lease; such provisions are void under Massachusetts law.

Foxboro Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Foxboro homeowners are responsible for comprehensive winter maintenance across their entire property, extending from public sidewalks to private driveways, entryways, and pedestrian routes. Failure to properly maintain these areas exposes the property owner to full liability for slip-and-fall incidents and related hazards. Key homeowner obligations include:

• Clear all driveways and walkways: Ensure safe passage from street to entrances
• Remove snow from outdoor stairs, stoops, porches, and decks
• Maintain garbage collection points, utility meters, and emergency exits free from snow and ice
• Treat icy surfaces with sand, salt, or other traction-enhancing materials
• Coordinate snow removal with municipal plowing schedules

Foxboro Code Enforcement Contact
Phone: (508) 543-1208
Report online: Foxboro 311 System

Foxboro Public Works maintains over 130 lane miles of roadway. Municipal plowing operations often result in snow being pushed back across previously cleared driveway entrances. Homeowners are advised to plan for a second clearing after plows complete their routes. Best practices include monitoring plowing activity via the Foxboro DPW website, delaying final clearing until all plowing in the neighborhood is finished, maintaining a minimum 10-12 foot-wide driveway for vehicle access, designating snow storage areas away from the street, and never depositing snow onto public roads, which is prohibited and subject to fines.

Residential Properties Throughout Foxboro Neighborhoods

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

Downtown Foxboro: Featuring historic homes, triple-decker residences, and dense row houses, this area presents narrow sidewalks, limited snow storage, and tight driveways. Careful coordination is required to avoid blocking access to street parking and shared entryways.

Pine Estates: A primarily single-family suburban neighborhood with wide driveways and lawns. Homeowners must clear long driveways and ensure pathways to detached garages and rear entrances remain safe throughout winter.

South Foxboro Village: Home to several large multi-family complexes and townhouses, these communities require attention to expansive parking lots, multiple entryways, and shared walkways, including curb ramps and ADA-compliant egress routes.

Lakeview District: Characterized by sloped lots and waterfront properties, snow removal challenges include steep driveways and limited flat space for snow storage. Extra caution is needed to prevent runoff and maintain access to private docks.

North Foxboro: A mix of rural properties, small farms, and large-lot homes. Driveways can be lengthy or unpaved, requiring specialized equipment and strategic planning to prevent snow pile-up at road junctions.

East Side Historic Area: Featuring preserved Victorian homes and heritage buildings, these properties often have unique access routes, ornamental fencing, and preservation restrictions that necessitate gentle snow removal methods to protect historic features.

Foxfield Heights: Modern subdivisions with attached garages, shared driveways, and cul-de-sacs. Snow storage and vehicle maneuverability are primary concerns, especially during high-volume storms.

Willow Crossing: A blend of duplexes and multi-family units with interconnected walkways and communal spaces. Coordinated clearing ensures shared routes remain accessible and meets Foxboro’s safety requirements for all residents.