Snow Laws - DSNY

New York City Department of Sanitation


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Snow Planning
Snow & Ice Removal from Sidewalks

Snow Planning

Snow & Ice Removal from Sidewalks


Snow and Ice Removal from Sidewalks

Snow and ice on sidewalks can severely injure pedestrians. You must clear a path in the sidewalk in front of your building that is at least four feet wide to allow pedestrians to pass. Snow and ice must be removed from around fire hydrants and sidewalk curb-cuts and ramps.

If the snow or ice has become so frozen it cannot be removed, sidewalks should be strewn with granular material like salt or sand to improve traction and prevent slipping.

Snow and ice must be cleared from sidewalks within specific timeframes:

Snowfall ends between 7:00 AM and 4:59 PM - Clear within 4 hours

Snowfall ends between 5:00 PM and 8:59 PM - Clear within 14 hours

Snowfall ends between 9:00 PM and 6:59 AM - Clear sidewalks by 11:00 AM

(If the snow stops falling at 7:00 PM, building owners/occupants must clear a path in the snow that is at least four feet wide, or salt or sand the sidewalk by 9:00 AM the following morning.)

If you do not clear snow or ice from the sidewalk within the given timeframe, you may be fined up to $250.

The sidewalk must be thoroughly cleaned as soon as the weather permits.

NOTE: DO NOT shovel, blow, or push snow into the street.