PSA: Don’t Forget To Shovel and De-Ice Your Sidewalk, It’s The Law
Property owners must clear snow or ice from their sidewalks. The City doesn’t clean or remove snow or ice from sidewalks in front of residential or commercial property.
Snow Shoveling Rules
If you own any lot or building, you must:
- Clear snow and ice on your sidewalk to create a path at least 4 feet wide
- Clear a path to the crosswalk, including pedestrian ramps (curb cuts), if you own a corner property
- Shovel bus stops and fire hydrants in front of your property
If the snow stops falling between:
- 7 AM and 5 PM, you must clear sidewalks within 4 hours
- 5 PM and 9 PM, you must clear sidewalks within 14 hours
- 9 PM and 7 AM, you must clear sidewalks by 11 AM
If the snow or ice becomes frozen, the sidewalk should be spread with granular material, such as salt or sand, within the same time limits. The sidewalk must be thoroughly cleaned as soon as possible.
You may not shovel snow into the street.
If you don’t follow snow shoveling rules, you may receive a ticket from the Department of Sanitation (DSNY).
What You Can Report
You can report snow or ice on sidewalks in front of residential or commercial properties after property owners have had enough time to clear their sidewalks.
