Hull Residential Snow Plowing Services

Hull Homeowner Snow Removal Requirements

Massachusetts law establishes a foundational framework for residential snow removal responsibilities, ensuring public safety and accessibility during the winter months. The 105 CMR 410.260 regulation defines the obligations of property owners, landlords, and tenants based on property type and occupancy arrangements. In Hull, these state requirements intersect with local ordinances, which currently require property owners to clear sidewalks abutting their property within 24 hours after snowfall ends. Beyond sidewalks, homeowners must maintain safe access routes to homes, garages, and parking facilities throughout the winter to reduce hazards and comply with municipal codes.

• 105 CMR 410.260: State regulation mandating snow and ice removal from egresses and common areas.
• Hull Municipal Ordinance: Sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours of snow event conclusion; access routes to buildings must remain passable.
• Additional Duties: Maintain entryways, parking areas, and all pedestrian pathways free of snow and ice.

Hull Inspectional Services Department
253 Atlantic Avenue, Hull, MA 02045
Phone: (781) 925-1330
Official Website: Hull Inspectional Services Department

Hull Residential Snow Removal Fines and Penalties

The Town of Hull enforces residential snow removal through municipal ordinance (General Bylaws, Article 12, Section 2), which sets forth fines for non-compliance. The fine structure is as follows:

• Single-family and small multi-family (≤16 units): $50 per violation, per day.
• Large multi-family buildings (17+ units): $100 per violation, per day.
• Depositing snow on streets: $100–$300 penalty depending on volume and recurrence.

Each day of non-compliance constitutes a separate violation, triggering additional fines. Enforcement may occur through proactive field inspections or in response to complaints filed via Hull's 311 reporting system (Online Services). Inspectional Services staff document violations and issue citations directly to the property owner of record. Notably, property owners remain legally liable for sidewalk clearing violations even if lease agreements assign snow removal duties to tenants. The City will issue citations to owners, who may only seek reimbursement from tenants through separate legal action.

MA Landlord and Tenant Snow Removal Obligations

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.260 establishes that landlords have non-transferable obligations to remove snow and ice from all means of egress in most residential properties. These requirements cannot be waived or reassigned through lease provisions except in limited circumstances involving certain single-family rentals. Landlords must ensure all exit routes, shared areas, and parking facilities are safe and accessible during winter months.

MA Attorney General’s Office
One Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 727-2200
Official Website: AG Landlord-Tenant Guide

• Landlord Responsibilities – Multi-Family Properties: Maintain common entrances, stairways, walkways, exterior stairs, parking lots, and sidewalks. Curb ramps must also be kept clear per Hull regulations.
• Landlord Responsibilities – Single-Family Rentals: Tenants may be assigned responsibility for private driveways and stairs only with explicit written lease agreements; landlords retain legal liability for overall compliance.
• Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants may only be assigned snow removal for exclusive-use driveways, entrances, and personal-use areas if specified in the lease. Shared/common areas remain the landlord’s duty by law.
• Important: Lease clauses attempting to transfer responsibility for shared areas are void under Massachusetts law and do not relieve landlords of their legal obligations.

Hull Homeowner Driveway and Parking Area Requirements

Owner-occupied residential properties in Hull are subject to comprehensive winter maintenance obligations, covering all access routes from public sidewalks to private driveways and entrances. Homeowners are fully liable for slip-and-fall incidents resulting from insufficient snow or ice removal. Proactive, thorough snow management is essential to meet legal requirements and minimize risk.

• Clear driveways and walkways: Ensure unobstructed access from public sidewalks to all building entrances.
• Remove snow from outdoor stairs, stoops, porches, and decks.
• Access to garbage, utilities, and emergency exits: Keep all points clear for collection and safety.
• Treat ice: Use sand, salt, or traction materials to reduce slip hazards.
• Coordinate with municipal plowing: Anticipate additional snow deposits after Hull DPW plows pass.

Hull Code Enforcement Contact:
Phone: (781) 925-1330
Report online: Hull 311 System

Hull Public Works (DPW) maintains approximately 60 lane miles of roadways. During snow events, plowing operations may block previously cleared driveways with additional snow. Homeowners are expected to clear these secondary deposits to maintain access. Best practices include monitoring DPW progress via the Hull DPW website, delaying final driveway clearing until plowing is complete, maintaining a 10–12 foot width for vehicle access, and storing snow away from street edges. Depositing snow onto public streets is strictly prohibited and subject to fines.

Residential Properties Throughout Hull Neighborhoods

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

Nantasket Beach District: This coastal area features a high density of multi-family homes, triple-deckers, and older cottages. Narrow access roads, minimal off-street parking, and salt exposure make snow removal and storage especially challenging, requiring careful coordination for shared driveways and limited equipment space.

Pemberton Point: Known for historic single-family properties and row houses, Pemberton Point presents issues with steep driveways and stairs, as well as preservation requirements for historic structures. Homeowners must ensure snow removal does not damage architectural features while maintaining safe egress routes.

Kenberma Village: Characterized by suburban-style single-family homes and duplexes, Kenberma Village has wider streets but frequent sidewalk and curb cut obstructions. Residents must coordinate with neighbors for shared parking areas and maintain clear pedestrian pathways near local schools.

Atlantic Hill: This neighborhood includes modern condominiums and multi-unit complexes with shared parking lots and walkways. Building management must ensure timely snow removal for all communal spaces, including stairs, ramps, and fire lanes, in compliance with both Hull and state codes.

Sunset Point: Predominantly residential with a mix of post-war ranch homes and contemporary builds, Sunset Point homeowners face challenges from sloped lots, long driveways, and limited street parking. Effective planning is required to manage snow storage and maintain access for emergency vehicles.

Hull Village: Featuring historic homes, narrow lanes, and limited off-street parking, Hull Village requires delicate snow and ice management to protect heritage sites while ensuring clear paths for residents and service providers.

Edgewater: This area is comprised of newer single-family developments with attached garages and private drives. Residents are responsible for clearing both driveways and sidewalks, with additional attention needed for corner lots and intersections to prevent visibility hazards.

Gunrock Beach: A mix of seasonal cottages and year-round homes, Gunrock Beach presents unique challenges due to shifting occupancy and varying driveway conditions. Owners must ensure snow removal is completed regardless of seasonal use to comply with local regulations and maintain emergency access.