Carver Residential Snow Plowing Services

Carver Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law creates a statewide framework for residential snow removal obligations, reinforced by local ordinances in Carver, MA. The 105 CMR 410.260 regulation, known as the State Sanitary Code, outlines the legal responsibilities of property owners, landlords, and tenants regarding snow and ice removal for different property types and occupancy arrangements. In Carver, municipal ordinances require property owners and occupants to clear sidewalks abutting their property within 24 hours after the cessation of snow accumulation. This timeline is set by the Carver General Bylaws, Section 11.2.3. (Carver General Bylaws).

• Sidewalk Clearing: Sidewalks must be cleared to a minimum width of 36 inches to ensure safe pedestrian passage.
• Safe Access: Owners must maintain safe access to building entrances, garages, parking facilities, and mailboxes throughout the winter.
• Additional Duties: Clearing pathways to driveways, stairways, waste collection points, and emergency exits is required for full compliance.

For questions or reports regarding compliance, contact:

Carver Inspectional Services Department
108 Main Street, Carver, MA 02330
Phone: (508) 866-3405
Official Website: Carver Inspectional Services Department

Carver Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

The Carver General Bylaws establish fines for non-compliance with residential snow removal requirements. According to Section 11.2.3 of the Carver General Bylaws:

• 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 per occurrence, depending on volume and impact.

Each day that sidewalks remain unshoveled is treated as a separate violation, incurring additional fines. Enforcement is conducted through both proactive inspection and complaint-driven processes. Residents can file reports through the Carver "Report a Concern" system, which is Carver’s primary online reporting platform. Inspectional Services investigates complaints, documents violations, and issues citations. Property owners of record are held liable for violations, regardless of any lease agreement placing snow removal responsibility on tenants. Owners must seek any reimbursement or recourse from non-compliant tenants through separate legal channels.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 establishes that landlords are responsible for keeping all means of egress free from snow and ice, and these obligations generally cannot be transferred to tenants through lease provisions. Landlords must ensure that all exits, stairs, walkways, and parking lots serving a property remain accessible and safe at all times.

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

• Multi-Family Properties: Landlords are responsible for all common entrances, stairways, parking lots, exterior shared stairs, sidewalks, and curb ramps as required by Carver ordinances.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants may be assigned responsibility for private driveways and stairs if there is a written lease agreement, but landlords retain ultimate liability for ensuring compliance.

• Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants can only be assigned snow removal duties when:
• Renting a single-family home with exclusive-use driveways and entrances
• The lease contains explicit written terms assigning responsibility
• Areas serve only that tenant’s unit (not shared)
• Personal-use areas such as patios, decks, or private parking spaces

Important: Landlords cannot legally transfer responsibility for shared or common areas to tenants. Lease clauses attempting to do so are void under Massachusetts law.

Carver Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Carver must maintain comprehensive winter safety, extending beyond public sidewalks to include private driveways, walkways, and all pedestrian access routes. Homeowners are fully liable for slip-and-fall incidents resulting from inadequate snow or ice removal on their property.

• Critical Homeowner Obligations:
• Clear driveways and walkways from the public sidewalk to all building entrances
• Remove snow from outdoor stairs, stoops, porches, and decks
• Ensure garbage collection points, utility meters, and emergency exits remain accessible
• Treat ice with sand, salt, or other traction materials
• Coordinate with municipal plowing schedules to avoid re-blockage

Carver Code Enforcement Contact:
Phone: (508) 866-3405
Report online: Carver 311 System

The Carver Department of Public Works (DPW) maintains over 120 lane miles of roadway. As DPW plows streets, snow may be deposited at the ends of driveways, requiring homeowners to clear entrances again after plows have passed. Best practices include:

• Monitor DPW plowing progress via the Carver DPW website
• Delay final driveway clearing until plows complete your neighborhood’s route
• Maintain a driveway width of at least 10–12 feet for safe vehicle access
• Pile snow on lawn areas or set-back locations, not on public streets
• Never push or deposit snow into the roadway, which is prohibited under local ordinance and subject to fines

Residential Properties Throughout Carver Neighborhoods

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

North Carver: This area features larger single-family homes set on spacious lots, often with long driveways and wide frontage. Clearing access routes and managing snow storage away from road edges is essential due to the property scale and setbacks.

South Carver: Known for its mix of medium-density subdivisions and agricultural properties, South Carver presents challenges with sloped driveways, rural lanes, and variable access points. Snow removal must account for both residential and farm vehicle movement.

Carver Center: The historic village center includes older single- and multi-family homes, many with narrow walks, limited off-street parking, and proximity to busy roads. Equipment selection and close coordination with neighbors are important for effective clearing.

East Carver: This residential area is characterized by newer developments with cul-de-sacs, shared drives, and modern single-family homes. Suburban street layouts require systematic plowing to keep all homes accessible and avoid blocking emergency routes.

Indian Brook: Home to several multi-family complexes and condominium units, Indian Brook properties require coordinated clearing of common parking lots, walkways, and curb ramps, with a focus on accessibility for all residents and visitors.

Pine Tree Village: This manufactured home community has tightly spaced residences, narrow private lanes, and shared parking areas. Attention to snow storage and careful plowing is necessary to prevent blocked access or damaged infrastructure.

South Meadow Village: A large active adult and senior living development, South Meadow Village features private roads, accessible ramps, and community amenities. Snow removal must prioritize safe pedestrian routes and emergency access for older residents.

West Carver: With a blend of traditional homes and modern developments, West Carver neighborhoods often include hills, wooded lots, and unpaved driveways. Equipment limitations and steep grades can complicate snow removal, requiring planning and prompt action to ensure access.