Raynham Residential Snow Plowing Services

Raynham Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law establishes a comprehensive framework for residential snow removal responsibilities, ensuring the safety and accessibility of all public and private ways during winter. 105 CMR 410.260 outlines the obligations for property owners, landlords, and tenants, with requirements varying based on property type and occupancy arrangements. In Raynham, these state regulations intersect with the town’s municipal ordinances, which currently require that sidewalks abutting residential properties be cleared of snow and ice within 24 hours after the cessation of snowfall.

Beyond sidewalks, homeowners are responsible for maintaining safe access routes to all entrances, garages, and parking facilities throughout the winter months. This includes clearing and treating walkways, ensuring egresses are free from snow and ice, and addressing any hazardous conditions that might impede safe passage for residents, visitors, and emergency personnel. Compliance is reviewed by local authorities, and failure to meet these requirements can result in enforcement actions.

Raynham Inspectional Services Department
558 South Main Street, Raynham, MA 02767
Phone: (508) 824-2707
Official Website: Raynham Inspectional Services Department

Raynham Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Raynham enforces snow removal obligations through its municipal code, specifically Town Bylaws, Article 15. Failure to clear sidewalks and access routes within the required 24-hour window may result in fines. For residential properties, the fine structure is as follows:

• Single-family and small multi-family properties (16 units or fewer): $50 per violation
• Large multi-family buildings (17 units or more): $100 per violation
• Each day of non-compliance: Constitutes a separate violation with additional fines assessed daily
• Depositing snow on public streets: $100–$300 additional penalty depending on the volume and impact

Enforcement involves both proactive inspections and investigation of complaints submitted through the town’s reporting platform or by phone. Reports may be filed via the Raynham 311 System or by contacting the Inspectional Services Department directly. Field inspectors document observed violations and issue citations as appropriate.

Important Landlord Note: Property owners remain legally liable for sidewalk clearing violations, even if a lease assigns snow removal duties to tenants. The Town of Raynham issues citations to the property owner of record. Owners seeking reimbursement from tenants must pursue private legal action.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 establishes non-negotiable landlord obligations for snow and ice removal. Landlords are required to keep all means of egress free from snow and ice obstructions, ensuring that tenants and emergency personnel can safely leave or enter the premises at all times. These obligations cannot be transferred to tenants through lease provisions in most circumstances.

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 responsible for clearing common entrances, stairways, parking lots, and walkways, including exterior shared stairs, parking areas, and curb ramps as required by Raynham 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 legal liability even when delegating these duties.
• Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants can only be assigned snow removal duties for exclusive-use areas (such as private driveways, entrances, patios, or decks) when the lease contains an explicit written assignment of responsibilities, and those areas serve only that tenant’s unit.
• Shared Areas: Landlords cannot transfer snow removal responsibility for shared or common areas to tenants; such lease clauses are void under Massachusetts law.

Raynham Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Raynham are required to provide comprehensive winter maintenance, extending from public sidewalks to private driveways, walkways, and all pedestrian access routes. Homeowners maintain full liability for slip-and-fall incidents resulting from inadequate snow or ice removal on their property.

• Clear driveways and walkways: Remove snow and ice from sidewalks to all building entrances
• Outdoor stairs, stoops, porches, and decks: Keep all pathways fully cleared and treated
• Garbage collection points and utility meters: Ensure unobstructed access at all times
• Emergency egresses: Maintain clear escape routes for emergency use
• Ice treatment: Use sand, salt, or traction materials to treat slippery surfaces
• Municipal plowing coordination: Adjust timing and secondary clearing as needed based on plowing schedules

Raynham Code Enforcement Contact:
Phone: (508) 824-2707
Report online: Raynham 311 System

Raynham Public Works Department (DPW) maintains approximately 100 lane miles of roadway. Municipal plowing operations may push snow back onto already-cleared driveway entrances, requiring homeowners to perform secondary clearing after plows have passed. Best practices include monitoring DPW plowing progress via the Raynham DPW website, delaying final driveway clearing until routes in your neighborhood are complete, maintaining a 10–12 foot driveway width for safe vehicle passage, and creating snow storage areas away from street edges. Depositing snow onto public roads is prohibited and subject to fines.

Residential Properties Throughout Raynham Neighborhoods

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

Raynham Center: This mixed residential area features a blend of historic homes and mid-century single-families, often with older walkways, narrow driveways, and limited snow storage capacity. Residents must take special care to preserve historic masonry while ensuring all access routes are cleared.

Raynham Woods: Characterized by contemporary subdivisions and cul-de-sacs, these neighborhoods have wide driveways, suburban lots, and expanded parking pads. Snow removal must account for large driveways and ensure mailbox and fire hydrant access remains unobstructed.

North Raynham: Home to several large multi-family complexes and apartment buildings, this area requires coordinated clearing of shared parking lots, curb ramps, and multiple building entries. Property managers face logistical challenges due to high parking density and snow pile placement.

South Street East Corridor: Featuring a mix of row houses and older two- or three-family homes, this corridor presents unique challenges with narrow lots, limited off-street parking, and tight access between buildings. Efficient snow storage and safe sidewalk access are critical.

Britton's Mill Historic District: Dominated by preserved historic homes and converted mills, these properties require careful snow removal to protect heritage structures and meet preservation guidelines while maintaining clear egress routes.

Forge River Estates: This residential development consists mostly of large, single-family homes on sizable lots, often with long driveways and private roadways. Snow removal efforts must cover extended driveways, outdoor stairs, and private access roads.

Town Center Multi-Family Zones: With clusters of triple-deckers and smaller apartment buildings near Raynham’s commercial heart, these neighborhoods necessitate coordinated clearing of shared entrances, stairways, and parking areas, with attention given to rapid snow accumulation and resident safety.

East Raynham Rural Residences: On the outskirts, rural homes and farm properties feature long, often sloped driveways and minimal municipal sidewalk infrastructure. Homeowners are responsible for extensive private access routes, often requiring heavy equipment for snow management.