Kingston Residential Snow Plowing Services

Kingston Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts state law provides a clear regulatory structure for residential snow removal, outlining responsibilities for property owners, landlords, and tenants. 105 CMR 410.260 defines these obligations based on property type and occupancy arrangements, and serves as the legal foundation for municipal enforcement. In Kingston, municipal ordinances intersect with state regulations, requiring property owners to clear sidewalks abutting their property within 24 hours after snow ceases. These requirements extend beyond sidewalks to include keeping pathways to homes, garages, and parking areas accessible and safe throughout the winter season.

• 105 CMR 410.260: Establishes minimum standards for safe access and egress for all residential properties.
• Kingston Municipal Ordinance: Requires residential sidewalk clearing within 24 hours after snowfall ends, and mandates maintenance of access routes on and around the property.
• Additional Duties: Property owners must ensure that snow and ice are removed from steps, ramps, and any means of egress, not just public sidewalks.

Kingston Inspectional Services Department
26 Evergreen Street, Kingston, MA 02364
Phone: (781) 585-0511
Official Website: Kingston Inspectional Services Department

Kingston Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Kingston’s snow removal requirements are governed by Kingston General Bylaws Chapter 9, Section 8, which specifies enforcement procedures and financial penalties for non-compliance. Residential property owners who fail to clear snow and ice from sidewalks within the 24-hour timeline face a structured fine system:

• 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 public streets: Additional $50-$200 penalty depending on volume and obstruction caused

Each day that a violation persists is considered a separate offense under Kingston’s ordinance, resulting in cumulative fines for ongoing non-compliance. Enforcement is carried out through both proactive inspections and complaint-driven investigations. Residents may report violations using the Kingston 311 system at https://www.kingstonmass.org/311. Inspectional Services staff document violations, photograph conditions, and issue citations to the property owner of record. Importantly, even when lease agreements assign snow removal duties to tenants, Kingston will cite the property owner, who must then pursue reimbursement from non-compliant tenants through a separate legal process.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 codifies non-negotiable landlord obligations for snow and ice removal. Landlords must ensure that all means of egress are clear, and responsibility for common areas cannot be delegated to tenants via lease provisions except in specific single-family cases. The law requires that all stairs, exits, and access paths be kept free of snow and ice to prevent hazards for residents and visitors.

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 snow and ice removal from common entrances, stairways, parking areas, sidewalks, and shared exterior stairs. Kingston ordinances may also require the clearing of curb ramps for accessibility.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants can be assigned responsibility for private driveways and stairs only if there is an explicit, written lease provision. However, the landlord retains ultimate liability for compliance.
• Tenant Assignments: Tenants may only be required to remove snow from exclusive-use areas (driveways, entrances, patios, decks, or private parking) when clearly stated in the lease and when those areas serve only their unit.
• Shared/Common Areas: Landlords cannot delegate responsibility for shared or common areas to tenants through lease agreements. Such provisions are considered void under Massachusetts law.

Kingston Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Kingston must be maintained to a safe standard throughout the winter, including all public sidewalks, private driveways, and pedestrian access routes. Homeowners are legally liable for slip-and-fall incidents resulting from inadequate snow or ice removal on their property.

• Driveways and Walkways: Must be cleared from the sidewalk to all building entrances for safe pedestrian and vehicle passage.
• Outdoor Stairs and Porches: Snow and ice must be removed from all steps, stoops, porches, and decks to prevent accidents.
• Utility and Emergency Access: Garbage collection points, utility meters, and emergency egresses must remain accessible at all times.
• Ice Treatment: Apply sand, salt, or other traction materials to mitigate icy conditions.
• Municipal Plowing Coordination: Coordinate snow clearing with Kingston DPW plowing operations to avoid redundant work and ensure compliance.

Kingston Code Enforcement Contact
Phone: (781) 585-0511
Report online: Kingston 311 System

Kingston Department of Public Works maintains approximately 100 lane miles of roadway, meaning municipal plows will often deposit snow across already-cleared driveway entrances. Homeowners should expect to perform secondary clearing after plows have passed. Best practices include:

• Monitor Kingston’s DPW plowing status via the DPW website.
• Delay final driveway clearing until plows have finished the neighborhood.
• Maintain a 10-12 foot wide driveway path for safe vehicle access.
• Designate snow storage areas away from the street.
• Never shovel or blow snow onto public roadways, as this is prohibited and subject to fines.

Residential Properties Throughout Kingston Neighborhoods

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

Kingston Center: This historic village core features a mix of single-family homes, small multi-family buildings, and preserved colonial properties. Narrow streets and limited on-street parking make sidewalk and curb clearing especially important in this area.

Indian Pond Estates: A suburban-style development with large lots, wide driveways, and multi-car garages. Snow removal here requires attention to extended driveways, cul-de-sac entrances, and large snow storage areas set back from the road.

Rocky Nook: A coastal neighborhood with densely situated homes, many on small lots with limited off-street parking. Driveways are often short and steep, increasing the risk of ice buildup and the need for frequent clearing.

Kingston Shores: Waterfront properties and cottages characterized by narrow private roads and shared access points. Property owners must coordinate snow removal for both private driveways and shared lanes to maintain winter accessibility.

Smiths Lane Corridor: Residential clusters along Smiths Lane feature a mix of mid-century homes and newer subdivisions. Long driveways and sloped terrain require thorough plowing and salting, particularly at entrances and mailbox areas.

Elm Street District: This area includes multi-family complexes and row houses with shared parking lots and common walkways. Snow removal here must prioritize common egress paths, accessible parking spaces, and curb ramps for residents with mobility needs.

Jones River Village: Historic homes set on irregular lots along winding roads, with mature trees and stone walls complicating snow storage and equipment maneuvering. Preservation requirements may limit the use of salt or certain de-icing chemicals near sensitive areas.

Gray's Beach Area: A mix of seasonal cottages and year-round residences near the waterfront, where access roads are often unpaved or narrow. Snow removal can be challenging due to limited space for plowed snow and potential flooding concerns during storms.