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NYC Snow Removal Regulations

Posted March 21, 2018

New York City has very clear rules about how long responsible parties have to clear sidewalks. According to the NYC Administrative Code, every owner, lessee, tenant, occupant or other person having charge of any lot or building must clean snow and ice from the sidewalks adjacent (i.e., in front of, on the side of, in back of) to their properties. Vacations or medical conditions do not excuse responsible parties from clearing walkways–arrangements should be made in advance in these situations. 

Here are the key timeframes you need to be aware of:

  • If the snow stops falling between 7am and 4:49pm you must clear it within 4 hours.
  • If the snow stops falling between 5pm and 8:59pm you must clear it within 14 hours.
  • If the snow stops falling between 9pm and 6:59am you must clear it by 11am the next day.

Keep an eye out your window so you can be sure to comply! Fines range from $100-350, but liability issues can be much more expensive. Remember, if you slip or trip on a property, regardless of whether it is outside of the required snow removal window, you should contact an attorney immediately. 

Read the NYC Department of Sanitation’s Snow Removal Guide >>

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