Hanover Residential Snow Plowing Services

Hanover Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law establishes the regulatory framework for residential snow removal across all cities, including Hanover. Under the 105 CMR 410.260 Massachusetts State Sanitary Code, property owners, landlords, and tenants have specific obligations for keeping residential premises safe and accessible. In Hanover, these state requirements intersect with local ordinances that mandate all property owners clear snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their properties within 24 hours after a storm concludes. Beyond sidewalks, Hanover homeowners are also responsible for maintaining safe access to homes, garages, driveways, and parking areas during winter months, ensuring all egress routes remain unobstructed for safety and emergency access.

• 105 CMR 410.260: Defines minimum standards for property maintenance, including removal of snow and ice from sidewalks, steps, and all means of egress.
• Hanover Ordinance: Requires snow and ice to be removed from public sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall ends. Failure to comply may result in fines and liability.
• Additional Duties: Homeowners must ensure access to garages, driveways, and parking facilities, and must maintain safe pathways for residents and visitors at all times throughout winter.

Hanover Inspectional Services Department
550 Hanover Street, Hanover, MA 02339
Phone: (781) 826-5000 x1022
Official Website: Hanover Inspectional Services Department

Hanover Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Hanover’s municipal code sets forth specific penalties for non-compliance with residential snow removal regulations. According to Hanover General Bylaw § 6-19, property owners who fail to clear sidewalks and egresses within 24 hours after snowfall are subject to fines. The fine schedule is as follows:

• 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: $100–$300 per incident, based on the volume and impact

Each day a violation continues is treated as a separate offense, resulting in cumulative penalties. Enforcement may be conducted through proactive city inspections or in response to complaints submitted via the Hanover 311 system. Upon receiving a report, Inspectional Services dispatches an inspector, documents the violation, and issues a citation if warranted. Notably, property owners are held responsible for sidewalk snow removal violations even if a lease assigns this duty to tenants. The City will issue citations directly to the property owner of record, who must address reimbursement with the tenant privately.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 requires landlords to keep all means of egress, including sidewalks, walkways, and stairs, free from snow and ice. This statutory obligation cannot be transferred to tenants through a lease, except in specific circumstances involving single-family rental properties. All common areas in multi-family dwellings must be maintained by the landlord, regardless of lease language.

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 clearing snow and ice from all common entrances, exterior stairways, parking lots, shared walkways, and curb ramps as required by Hanover ordinances.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants may be assigned responsibility for snow removal from private driveways and stairs only through explicit written lease agreements. However, landlords retain legal liability for ensuring compliance.
• Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants can only be assigned snow removal duties for exclusive-use entrances, driveways, and personal-use areas if such assignment is clearly stated in writing and relates solely to areas serving their unit. Shared/common areas cannot be assigned to tenants; any such clause is void under Massachusetts law.

Hanover Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Hanover must be maintained to a high standard throughout winter, with comprehensive snow and ice removal extending from public sidewalks to private driveways and all pedestrian access routes. Homeowners assume full liability for injuries arising from inadequate snow removal on their property, including slip-and-fall incidents on driveways, stairs, and walkways.

• Clear driveways and walkways: Remove snow and ice from all access routes connecting sidewalks to building entrances.
• Outdoor stairs, stoops, porches, and decks: Keep all exterior entryways safe and free of hazards.
• Garbage collection points, utility meters, and emergency egresses: Ensure these areas remain accessible for service providers and first responders.
• Ice treatment: Apply sand, salt, or approved traction materials to prevent slippery conditions.
• Coordinate with municipal plowing: Hanover DPW plows more than 150 lane miles of roadway, which can deposit snow at the base of driveways after clearing streets. Homeowners should anticipate a need for secondary clearing following municipal plowing.

Hanover Code Enforcement Contact:
Phone: (781) 826-5000 x1022
Report online: Hanover 311 System

• Best Practices: Monitor DPW snow plow progress via the Hanover Public Works website or town communications to time final driveway clearing. Maintain a driveway width of 10–12 feet for safe vehicle access. Designate snow storage areas away from the street edge. Never deposit snow onto public roadways, as this violates ordinance and may result in fines.

Residential Properties Throughout Hanover Neighborhoods

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

Hanover Center: This historic core features a mix of colonial-era homes and modern infill, with narrow driveways, mature trees, and tight street parking. Snow removal here often requires careful maneuvering and attention to shared historic walkways.

Assinippi: Characterized by wooded lots and winding residential roads, Assinippi’s large single-family homes often have long driveways and private lanes. Driveway clearing and snow storage space are critical due to broad setbacks from the street.

Four Corners: This suburban-style district includes cul-de-sacs and interconnected subdivisions with attached garages and wider driveways. The main challenge is managing snow accumulation at the ends of multiple driveways and ensuring clear access for emergency vehicles.

West Hanover: Home to a mix of ranches, split-levels, and traditional Cape-style homes, West Hanover features moderate lot sizes and sidewalks adjacent to roadways. Walkway clearing and curb ramp maintenance are essential for compliance.

South Hanover: Residential neighborhoods here include newer developments with HOA-managed common spaces, shared driveways, and multi-family townhouses. Snow removal coordination and shared space management are key considerations.

North Hanover: Rural residential areas with large properties, barns, and outbuildings require extensive snow removal for multiple access points and long unpaved driveways. Equipment selection and snow storage planning are important for these properties.

Barstow Village: This age-restricted community features accessible pathways and parking for senior residents, necessitating enhanced attention to sidewalk and ramp clearing for mobility and safety.

Curtis Crossing: Small-lot subdivisions with attached garages and narrow private roads require prompt snow removal and coordinated plowing schedules to maintain clear access for all residents.