Dover Residential Snow Plowing Services

Dover Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law establishes the foundational requirements for residential snow removal, with 105 CMR 410.260 outlining obligations for property owners, landlords, and tenants based on property type and occupancy. In Dover, these state regulations are supplemented by municipal ordinances that require homeowners and residential property managers to clear snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their property within 24 hours after the end of a snow event. This ordinance ensures that public walkways remain safe and accessible for all residents. Beyond sidewalk clearing, Dover homeowners must also maintain safe access to all home entrances, garages, and parking areas throughout the winter months to reduce hazards and support emergency access.

Additional homeowner duties include:

• Sidewalk Clearing: Remove snow and ice from all sidewalks abutting the property within 24 hours of storm cessation.
• Access Routes: Maintain safe, passable routes to all primary entrances, garages, and outbuildings.
• Parking Areas: Ensure parking facilities are cleared and accessible for residents and guests.
• Ice Prevention: Apply sand, salt, or other materials to mitigate ice accumulation on walkways and steps.

Dover Inspectional Services Department
5 Springdale Avenue, Dover, MA 02030
Phone: (508) 785-0032
Official Website: Dover Inspectional Services Department

Dover Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

Dover enforces its snow removal requirements under Town of Dover General Bylaws, Chapter 123: Streets and Sidewalks. Failure to comply results in monetary penalties assessed by the Town:

• 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: $50–$150 per incident, based on volume and recurrence

Each day a violation persists constitutes a separate offense, subject to additional fines. Enforcement is conducted through both proactive inspections and complaint-driven processes. Residents may file complaints through the Dover online reporting system or by contacting Inspectional Services directly. Field inspectors document conditions and issue citations as warranted.

Important Landlord Note: Property owners are ultimately liable for sidewalk clearing violations. Even if a lease assigns snow removal duties to a tenant, Dover issues citations to the property owner of record, who must then seek compensation from tenants through separate legal means.

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 must keep all means of egress—including entrances, stairways, and walkways—free from snow and ice, regardless of lease terms 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, shared stairways, walkways, parking lots, and curb ramps as required by Dover ordinances.
• Single-Family Rental Homes: Tenants can be assigned responsibility for exclusive-use driveways and stairs if the lease explicitly states so, but landlords retain legal liability for ensuring compliance.

Tenants may only be responsible for snow removal when all the following apply:

• They rent a single-family home with their own driveway and entrances
• The lease contains a specific, written assignment of snow removal responsibilities
• The paths and areas in question are not shared with other units
• Areas are for personal use, such as patios, decks, or private parking spaces

Important: Landlords cannot transfer responsibility for shared or common areas to tenants via lease agreements. Any such provision is void under Massachusetts law.

Dover Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Dover must provide comprehensive winter maintenance, extending from the public sidewalk to all private driveways, walkways, and pedestrian routes. Homeowners are fully liable for any slip-and-fall incidents resulting from inadequate snow or ice removal on their premises.

• Clear all driveways and walkways: Maintain clear paths from the sidewalk to every building entrance
• Outdoor stairs and decks: Remove snow and ice from all exterior stairs, stoops, porches, and decks
• Service access: Ensure garbage collection points, utility meters, and emergency exits remain accessible
• Ice treatment: Apply sand, salt, or traction materials as needed to prevent slip hazards
• Municipal plowing coordination: Work in sync with Dover’s plowing schedules to avoid repeated work and ensure compliance

Dover Code Enforcement Contact
Phone: (508) 785-0032
Report online: Dover 311 System

Dover Public Works maintains over 60 lane miles of roadways. As a result, municipal plows may push snow back onto driveway entrances after initial clearing. Homeowners should anticipate the need for secondary clearing efforts after plowing operations.

• Monitor plowing progress: Use the Dover DPW website for schedule updates
• Delay final clearing: Wait until plows have completed your street before making a final pass on driveways
• Maintain access width: Keep driveways at least 10-12 feet wide for safe vehicle passage
• Snow storage: Pile snow away from street edges to prevent re-deposit onto public ways
• No street dumping: Never deposit snow onto public streets—this is a bylaw violation subject to fines

Residential Properties Throughout Dover Neighborhoods

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

Centre Village: The historic heart of Dover features older single-family homes on narrow lots, with limited off-street parking and mature trees. Snow storage and sidewalk access require careful planning to preserve landscaping and meet accessibility requirements.

Strawberry Hill: This suburban-style area consists mainly of large-lot single-family homes with lengthy driveways and private roads. Driveway width, slope, and distance from public plows present logistical challenges, necessitating prompt homeowner action after snow events.

Pine Street Corridor: Characterized by multi-family dwellings and townhouses, this district faces challenges with shared driveways, assigned parking, and communal walkways. Coordinated clearing, especially in larger complexes, is essential for compliance and resident safety.

Powissett Area: Featuring estate-style properties with extensive frontage and private access roads, snow removal must address long entryways and large parking areas, often requiring specialized equipment or contracted services.

Dedham Street District: A mix of mid-century and contemporary homes, many with hilly terrain and limited street parking. Steep driveways and sightline issues increase the need for timely and thorough snow and ice management.

Farm Street Neighborhoods: Newer subdivisions with cul-de-sac designs and cluster housing. Shared sidewalks, connected driveways, and close proximity between homes require clear boundaries for snow storage and regular coordination among neighbors.

Centre Street Extension: This area includes both historic properties and newer renovations. Property lines can be irregular, and maintaining access to shared alleys or rear entrances is crucial, particularly during large snow events.

Haven Street and Surrounds: Smaller lots and narrow access roads create congestion and limited snow storage space. Homeowners must be vigilant to avoid blocking fire hydrants and ensure that walkways remain unobstructed for emergency services.