Pembroke Residential Snow Plowing Services

Pembroke Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law provides a clear framework for residential snow removal responsibilities, ensuring safe and accessible properties for all residents during winter months. 105 CMR 410.260 establishes obligations for property owners, landlords, and tenants based on property type and occupancy. In Pembroke, these state regulations are supplemented by local ordinances, which require property owners to clear sidewalks abutting their property within 24 hours after snowfall has ceased. This timeline is enforced to maintain public safety and accessibility. Beyond sidewalks, homeowners must also ensure safe access to all entrances, garages, and parking areas, keeping these routes free of snow and ice throughout the winter season.

• Sidewalks: Must be cleared within 24 hours after the end of snowfall.
• Entrances and Walkways: Safe, unobstructed access to all home entrances and pedestrian routes is required.
• Driveways and Parking: Maintain clear driveways and parking areas to ensure vehicle and emergency access.

Pembroke Inspectional Services Department
100 Center Street, Pembroke, MA 02359
Phone: (781) 293-3864
Official Website: Pembroke Inspectional Services Department

Pembroke Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Pembroke's municipal code (General Bylaws, Chapter 140-3) details the penalties for failing to comply with snow removal requirements. For residential properties, the fine structure is as follows:

• Single-family and small multi-family (≤16 units): $50 per violation, per day.
• Large multi-family buildings (17+ units): $100 per violation, per day.
• Depositing snow on streets: Additional penalty of $50-$200 depending on volume and frequency.

Each day a violation persists is treated as a separate offense, resulting in additional fines. Enforcement may occur through proactive inspections or in response to complaints filed via the Pembroke 311 System. Field inspectors will document non-compliance and issue citations accordingly. It is important for landlords to note that property owners remain liable for sidewalk snow removal violations, even if their leases assign these duties to tenants. The city issues citations to the owner of record, who must pursue separate legal action for reimbursement from non-compliant tenants.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

Under the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260, landlords are required to keep all means of egress free from snow and ice. These obligations cannot be waived or transferred to tenants in most circumstances, and landlords must ensure that all exits, stairways, and common areas remain accessible and safe.

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, stairways, walkways, parking lots, and exterior shared stairs. All curb ramps must comply with Pembroke ordinance requirements.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants can be assigned responsibility for private driveways and stairs, but only if specified in a written lease. Landlords retain ultimate liability even when delegating duties.
• Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants may only be assigned snow removal for areas that serve solely their unit (such as exclusive-use driveways or patios), and only if outlined in the lease. Responsibilities for shared/common areas cannot legally be transferred to tenants; such lease provisions are void under state law.

Pembroke Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied homes in Pembroke must ensure comprehensive winter maintenance, including public sidewalks, private driveways, and all pedestrian routes. Homeowners are fully liable for slip-and-fall incidents due to inadequate snow or ice removal anywhere on their property.

• Clear driveways and walkways: Remove snow from all routes leading from sidewalks to building entrances.
• Outdoor stairs, stoops, and decks: Keep all outdoor steps and landings safe and free of ice.
• Garbage and utility areas: Ensure access to trash pickup points, utility meters, and emergency exits.
• Treat ice: Apply sand, salt, or other traction materials to all icy surfaces.
• Coordinate with plowing: Work with municipal plowing schedules to optimize timing and minimize repeated clearing.

Pembroke Code Enforcement Contact:
Phone: (781) 293-3864
Report online: Pembroke 311 System

The Pembroke Department of Public Works maintains over 140 lane miles of roadways. Municipal plowing operations often result in snow being deposited at the end of driveways, requiring homeowners to clear entrances again after plows have passed. Residents are encouraged to monitor plowing progress using the Pembroke DPW website and to delay final driveway clearing until routes are complete. Best practices include maintaining a 10-12 foot wide path, storing snow away from street edges, and never placing snow onto public streets, as this violates town ordinances and may result in fines.

Residential Properties Throughout Pembroke Neighborhoods

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

North Pembroke Estates: This area features single-family homes with long, private driveways and large yards. Owners here face challenges managing snow accumulation on extended driveways and ensuring access to detached garages and outbuildings.

Herring Run Historic District: Known for its older, preserved homes and narrow streets, this district presents unique snow removal considerations due to historic landscaping, stone walls, and limited on-site parking. Extra care is required to protect historic features while maintaining safe walkways.

Pembroke Center Village: With a mix of multi-family residences, duplexes, and older townhouses, Pembroke Center requires coordinated snow clearing for shared driveways, common walkways, and communal parking lots. Limited snow storage areas demand efficient removal strategies.

West Pembroke Suburban Developments: These neighborhoods consist of modern, suburban-style single-family homes with wide driveways, attached garages, and sidewalks. Homeowners must maintain broad access routes and manage snow piles from both municipal plows and private clearing.

Hobomock Lake Area: Residential properties surrounding the lake often have sloped driveways and variable terrain, creating slippery conditions and requiring specialized equipment for safe snow removal. Limited street width can make plowing and snow storage more challenging.

Bourne Road Rowhouse Cluster: This neighborhood features attached rowhouses with shared access points, compact parking areas, and minimal yard space. Coordinated clearing for shared sidewalks and parking spots is essential for resident safety and compliance.

Mattakeesett Multi-Family Complexes: Larger apartment and condominium communities in this district manage extensive parking lots, multiple building entrances, and communal walkways. On-site maintenance teams must ensure prompt compliance with 24-hour clearing regulations and manage snow storage efficiently.

Brimstone Corner Rural Homes: Set on larger wooded lots with gravel or dirt driveways, these rural properties demand early planning for snow management and accessibility. Snow plowing is complicated by long access roads and limited municipal services.