Dighton Residential Snow Plowing Services

Dighton Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law provides the framework for residential snow removal responsibilities, requiring property owners, landlords, and tenants to maintain safe, accessible premises throughout the winter season. 105 CMR 410.260 (State Sanitary Code) explicitly defines these obligations, outlining who must clear snow and ice based on property type and occupancy arrangements. In Dighton, these state regulations are complemented by municipal ordinances that require all property owners to clear sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall ends. In addition to sidewalk clearing, homeowners must ensure safe access to all entrances, garages, and parking areas, minimizing slip and fall risks and ensuring emergency egresses remain unobstructed at all times during winter months.

Dighton Inspectional Services Department
979 Somerset Avenue, Dighton, MA 02715
Phone: (508) 669-6431
Official Website: Dighton Inspectional Services Department

Dighton Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Dighton’s snow removal requirements are enforced through local ordinance, specifically Town of Dighton General Bylaws Section 5.5, which mandates sidewalk clearing within the 24-hour window. Residential property owners who fail to comply face the following fines:

• Single-family and small multi-family properties (16 units or fewer): $50 per violation
• Large multi-family buildings (17+ units): $100 per violation
• Depositing snow or ice onto public streets: $50–$200 additional penalty depending on volume and recurrence

Each day of non-compliance constitutes a separate violation, resulting in cumulative fines. Enforcement is performed through both proactive inspections and complaint-driven citations. Residents may file reports via the Dighton DPW or by phone, as Dighton does not utilize a formal 311 online system. Inspectional Services documents violations, issues citations, and maintains records for repeat offenders. Importantly, even if a lease agreement assigns snow removal to tenants, property owners remain legally responsible for violations and must seek reimbursement from tenants through separate legal proceedings if necessary.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

Under the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260, landlords have non-transferable responsibilities for snow and ice removal in most residential arrangements. All means of egress—including pathways, stairs, and common areas—must remain clear of obstructions due to snow or ice. Lease provisions attempting to shift these duties to tenants for shared areas are void under MA law.

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 all common entrances, stairways, parking lots, exterior shared steps, sidewalks, and curb ramps. Compliance with Dighton’s local curb ramp requirements is also mandatory.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants may be assigned responsibility for exclusive-use driveways and private stairs only if this is explicitly stated in a written lease agreement. However, landlords retain legal liability for compliance.
• Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants can only be held responsible for snow removal if:
  • They rent a single-family home with exclusive-use entrances and driveways
  • The lease contains written, explicit assignment of these responsibilities
  • The paths serve only their unit (no shared/common areas)
  • They are responsible for personal-use spaces like private patios or decks

Landlords cannot transfer responsibility for shared or common areas, such as walkways and parking lots, through any lease provisions.

Dighton Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Dighton must be maintained to ensure safe passage from public sidewalks to driveways and all building entrances throughout the winter. Property owners are fully liable for any slip-and-fall incidents resulting from inadequate snow or ice removal. Critical homeowner obligations include:

• Clear all driveways and walkways: Maintain unobstructed paths from sidewalks to every building entrance
• Remove snow from outdoor stairs, stoops, porches, and decks: Ensure safe access to and from the home
• Clear around garbage collection points, utility meters, and all emergency egresses
• Treat ice accumulations: Apply sand, salt, or traction materials as necessary
• Coordinate with municipal plowing schedules: Complete a secondary clearing after town plows pass

Dighton Code Enforcement Contact:
Phone: (508) 669-6431
Report online: Dighton Inspectional Services Department

Municipal plowing by the Dighton Department of Public Works covers approximately 64 lane miles of roadway. Plowing operations may deposit snow at driveway entrances, requiring homeowners to perform additional clearing once routes are completed. Best practices for driveway maintenance include monitoring updates on the Dighton DPW website, delaying final clearing until plows have completed the neighborhood, maintaining a 10–12 foot wide access for vehicles, storing snow away from street edges, and never depositing snow onto public streets, which is a violation subject to fines.

Residential Properties Throughout Dighton Neighborhoods

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

North Dighton Village: This area features classic New England single-family homes with medium-length driveways. Snow storage is often limited, requiring careful management to avoid encroaching on sidewalks and streets.

South Dighton Rural Estates: Characterized by larger lots, long driveways, and occasional slopes, these properties demand substantial snow removal efforts and special attention to mailbox and utility access points.

Center Street Historic District: Historic homes and multi-family dwellings often have narrow walkways and shared access routes. Preservation requirements limit equipment use and mandate careful clearing to protect older structures.

Sunset Hill Subdivision: Modern suburban-style houses with attached garages and wide driveways. The main challenge is clearing expansive parking areas and maintaining safe pedestrian routes for children and visitors.

Maple Street Row Houses: Dense housing with limited frontage and shared walkways. Snow storage can be a challenge, and coordinated clearing is required to maintain access for all residents.

Williams Street Multi-Family Complexes: Apartment buildings and townhouse clusters with extensive parking lots and multiple entrances. Snow removal must prioritize both vehicle access and compliance with ADA curb ramp requirements.

Berkley Line Border Properties: Homes bordering the town line often face unique plowing schedules and may require additional coordination to ensure consistent snow removal at property edges and shared municipal roads.

Riverfront Road Homes: Properties along the Taunton River experience snow drifting and accumulation influenced by open terrain. Clearing efforts must account for wind-blown snow and access to riverfront pathways or docks.