Bourne Residential Snow Plowing Services

Bourne Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law sets clear frameworks for residential snow removal, defining the legal responsibilities of homeowners, landlords, and tenants. The 105 CMR 410.260 regulation specifically requires property owners in Bourne to ensure safe, unobstructed access to and from their properties during winter. In Bourne, municipal ordinance requires that public sidewalks adjacent to residential properties be cleared of snow and ice within 24 hours after snowfall ends. These requirements are in addition to state law and demand attention to all access points, including walkways, driveways, entrances, and parking areas. Homeowners must maintain safe passage to homes, garages, and other facilities, not just for their own use but also for emergency services and public safety. Compliance helps reduce liability and ensures accessibility for all residents throughout the winter season.

Bourne Inspectional Services Department
24 Perry Avenue, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532
Phone: (508) 759-0600 x1346
Official Website: Inspectional Services Department

Bourne Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Bourne enforces residential snow removal through its local municipal code, which outlines specific penalties for violations. Fines are assessed as follows:

• Single-family and small multi-family properties (up to 16 units): $50 per violation per day
• Large multi-family buildings (17+ units): $100 per violation per day
• Depositing snow onto public streets: $100–$300 penalty depending on the amount and nature of the obstruction

Each day of non-compliance is treated as a separate violation, with cumulative fines possible for ongoing neglect. Enforcement is carried out both proactively by town inspectors and reactively in response to complaints submitted through the Bourne Report a Concern system. Inspectors document the conditions, issue citations, and follow up as necessary. It is important for landlords to note that, under Bourne ordinances, property owners are cited for sidewalk clearing violations even if lease agreements assign snow removal to tenants. Property owners must seek reimbursement from tenants through private legal action if needed.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 sets non-negotiable responsibilities for landlords concerning snow and ice removal. Landlords must keep all means of egress—including sidewalks, stairs, and driveways—free from snow and ice obstructions, regardless of lease language. These duties may not be transferred to tenants for multi-unit buildings or shared spaces. State law mandates year-round accessibility for fire safety and emergency access.

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 removal from all common entrances, walkways, exterior shared stairs, parking lots, and curb ramps as required by local ordinance.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants may be assigned responsibility for clearing private driveways and entrances only when specified in a written lease, but landlords remain liable for ensuring the work is completed.
• Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants can be assigned snow removal for exclusive-use areas only if:
  • They rent a single-family home with exclusive driveways and entrances
  • The lease contains an explicit written assignment of these duties
  • The areas serve only that tenant’s unit
  • Areas are personal-use, such as patios, decks, and private parking

Important: Landlords cannot transfer responsibility for shared or common areas to tenants through lease provisions. Such clauses are void under Massachusetts law.

Bourne Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Bourne must maintain all access routes during winter, including public sidewalks, private driveways, and pedestrian paths. Homeowners assume full liability for slip-and-fall injuries resulting from inadequate or delayed snow removal. Local ordinances and best practices require comprehensive clearing and de-icing of every route to and from the home.

• Clear all driveways and walkways: Ensure paths from sidewalks to every building entrance are unobstructed.
• Remove snow from outdoor stairs, stoops, porches, and decks: Prevent hazardous accumulations.
• Clear access to garbage collection points, utility meters, and emergency exits: Maintain accessibility for services and safety personnel.
• Treat ice accumulations: Use sand, salt, or traction materials to prevent slips.
• Coordinate with town plowing schedules: Monitor municipal operations to schedule final clearing.

Bourne Code Enforcement Contact:
Phone: (508) 759-0600 x1346
Report online: Bourne Report a Concern

Bourne’s Department of Public Works (DPW) maintains approximately 186 lane miles of roadway. As a result, snow plows often deposit additional snow onto cleared driveways and sidewalks during street clearing operations. Homeowners should expect to perform secondary clearing after plows pass. For maximum efficiency, monitor plowing status through the Bourne DPW website and delay final driveway clearing until municipal routes are complete. Maintain a driveway width of at least 10–12 feet and establish snow storage areas set back from the street. Never deposit snow onto public roadways, as this is a violation subject to fines under local ordinance.

Residential Properties Throughout Bourne Neighborhoods

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

Monument Beach: Characterized by single-family homes with winding driveways and sloped approaches, Monument Beach presents challenges in snow storage and driveway clearing, particularly for properties on hillsides or with waterfront access. Many homes require extra attention to maintain access for emergency vehicles and to prevent ice buildup on steep grades.

Buzzards Bay Village: Dense residential areas with a mix of multi-family buildings and classic Cape-style homes. Narrow streets and limited on-street parking require coordinated snow removal to avoid obstructions and ensure clear passage for residents and service vehicles.

Sagamore Beach: A blend of modern subdivisions and older cottages, Sagamore Beach features private lanes and cul-de-sacs with variable driveway widths. Homeowners must be mindful of municipal plow patterns and coordinate clearing to keep shared access routes and private roads passable.

Gray Gables: Known for historic homes and unique architectural features, Gray Gables often involves preservation requirements and older infrastructure. Snow removal must account for limited parking, narrow walkways, and the protection of historic elements during winter maintenance.

Bournedale: Rural and wooded, Bournedale includes long private driveways, some gravel or unpaved, and properties with significant setbacks from public roads. Snow removal requires robust equipment and planning for snow storage that avoids blocking access to main roads.

Pocasset: Suburban-style neighborhoods with a mix of ranches and split-level homes. Wide driveways and two-car garages are common, but local ordinances require prompt sidewalk clearing and attention to crosswalks and bus stops for student safety.

Cataumet: Features both year-round homes and seasonal cottages, with a variety of property layouts. Shared driveways and private ways demand clear communication among neighbors and coordinated removal to prevent disputes and ensure consistent access.

Queen Sewell: Compact lots and higher-density housing typify Queen Sewell. Limited space for snow storage and closely set buildings require frequent clearing of paths and careful management of snow piles to avoid creating hazards for pedestrians and vehicles.