Malden Residential Snow Plowing Services

Malden Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law establishes clear frameworks for residential snow removal responsibilities, ensuring public safety and accessibility throughout the winter season. 105 CMR 410.260 defines the obligations of property owners, landlords, and tenants with particular attention to occupancy arrangements and building types. In Malden, these state requirements are reinforced and clarified by local ordinances, which require all property owners to clear sidewalks abutting their property within 6 hours after snow has stopped falling, or by 10:00 AM if snowfall ends overnight, per the city’s municipal code. Beyond sidewalks, homeowners are responsible for maintaining safe access to all home entryways, garages, and parking facilities during winter months to minimize slip-and-fall risk and ensure emergency access at all times.

• Sidewalks: Must be cleared to a width of at least 36 inches within 6 hours of snowfall ending.
• Entrances and Walkways: Maintain clear, ice-free paths to all doors and building exits.
• Parking Facilities: Remove snow and ice to ensure safe vehicle and pedestrian movement.
• Additional Duties: Clear access to garages, trash collection points, and utility meters.

Malden Inspectional Services Department
215 Pleasant Street, 3rd Floor, Malden, MA 02148
Phone: (781) 397-7000, ext. 2030
Official Website: Inspectional Services Department

Malden Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Malden’s Ordinance Section 10.20.010 outlines enforcement mechanisms and penalties for non-compliance with snow removal requirements. The City imposes the following fine structure for residential properties:

• Single-family and small multi-family properties (up to 16 units): $50 per violation per day
• Large multi-family buildings (17+ units): $200 per violation per day
• Depositing snow on public streets: $100–$300 per violation, depending on volume and impact

Each day a violation persists constitutes a separate offense, resulting in compounding fines. Malden enforces snow removal through both proactive inspections and a complaint-driven process. Residents may report violations via the city’s Malden 311 system, after which Inspectional Services conducts field inspections and issues citations as needed. Inspectors document violations with time-stamped photographs and written reports.

Landlord Note: Property owners remain legally liable for sidewalk clearing violations, even when lease agreements assign snow removal duties to tenants. The City issues all citations to owners of record, who may seek reimbursement from non-compliant tenants through separate legal action.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 establishes non-negotiable responsibilities for snow and ice removal. Landlords must keep all means of egress free from snow and ice obstructions, regardless of lease language, except in certain single-family rental 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 fully responsible for clearing snow and ice from common entrances, stairways, parking areas, walkways, exterior shared stairs, parking lots, sidewalks, and curb ramps as required by Malden ordinances.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants may be assigned responsibility for private driveways and stairs only through a written lease agreement. However, liability for compliance remains with the landlord.
• Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants can only be assigned snow removal duties for exclusive-use areas (such as driveways, entrances, patios, or decks serving only their unit) and only with explicit written agreement.
• Shared Areas: Landlords cannot transfer responsibility for shared or common areas through lease agreements. Such provisions are void under Massachusetts law.

Malden Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Malden must ensure comprehensive winter maintenance, extending from public sidewalks to private driveways and all pedestrian routes on the property. Homeowners bear full liability for any injuries resulting from inadequate snow removal on their premises.

• Clear driveways and walkways: Ensure unobstructed passage from sidewalks to all building entrances at least 36 inches wide.
• Remove snow from outdoor stairs, stoops, porches, and decks: Maintain safe access and prevent ice buildup.
• Clear garbage collection points, utility meters, and emergency egresses: Ensure these are accessible at all times.
• Treat ice: Use sand, salt, or other traction materials as necessary.
• Coordinate with city plowing: Be prepared for additional clearing after municipal plows pass.

Malden Code Enforcement Contact:
Phone: (781) 397-7000, ext. 2030
Report online: Malden 311 System

Malden Department of Public Works (DPW) clears over 200 lane miles of roadway during snow events. As a result, plows may deposit snow back onto already-cleared driveway entrances. Homeowners should plan for secondary clearing after plows complete neighborhood routes. The city recommends residents monitor plowing progress through the Malden Snow Information page and delay final snow removal until plows have passed.

• Maintain driveway width: Keep driveways at least 10–12 feet wide for vehicle access.
• Snow storage: Pile snow away from street edges and do not block sidewalks or fire hydrants.
• No street dumping: Depositing snow on public roadways is prohibited and subject to fines.

Residential Properties Throughout Malden Neighborhoods

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

Edgeworth: This neighborhood features a mix of single-family homes and classic triple-decker properties, with narrow driveways and limited on-street parking. Snow removal here often requires extra attention to sidewalk accessibility and shared walkways.

Maplewood: Maplewood’s tree-lined streets and larger suburban lots present challenges with wide driveways and lengthy sidewalks. Homeowners must coordinate snow storage to avoid blocking pedestrian routes and driveways.

Forestdale: Characterized by hilly terrain and winding roads, Forestdale’s residential areas require diligent snow clearing for driveways on slopes and steps leading to raised entrances.

Fellsmere: Home to many historic homes and row houses, Fellsmere presents unique snow removal considerations, including preservation of landscaping and coordination for shared access points.

West End: This neighborhood is densely populated with large multi-family apartment complexes, where snow removal must prioritize parking lot safety, common walkways, and curb ramps for accessibility.

Bellrock: Bellrock’s dense triple-decker housing and narrow alleys necessitate coordinated efforts for snow clearing and storage, often involving shared driveways and limited yard space.

Linden: A blend of older homes and modern residences, Linden features both private and shared driveways. Residents must maintain clear access for both vehicles and pedestrians, often navigating tight property lines.

Downtown Malden: Mixed-use and residential buildings in Downtown require careful attention to sidewalk and entryway clearing due to heavy pedestrian traffic and limited snow storage options.