What Happens If You Don't Shovel Your Sidewalk?

If you own property in a city that gets snow, you are almost certainly required by law to clear the sidewalk adjacent to your property after a snowfall. The specifics of when, how wide, and what happens if you do not vary by city, but the obligation is near-universal in snow-prone areas.

The typical requirement

Most cities require property owners to clear sidewalks within 24 hours after snow stops falling. Some cities are stricter: Philadelphia requires clearance within 6 hours during daytime. Chicago gives 24 hours for residential and 3 hours for commercial properties. Denver requires clearance within 24 hours. Boston requires clearance within 3 hours after snowfall ends during daytime or 3 hours after sunrise for overnight snow.

How much you need to clear

Most cities require a clear path of at least 36 to 48 inches wide, which is the ADA minimum for wheelchair accessibility. Some cities specify the full sidewalk width. You must also clear fire hydrants if one is adjacent to your property (typically a 3-foot clearance around the hydrant). Pushing snow into the street is prohibited in most cities.

The fines

First-offense fines typically range from $25 to $150. Repeat violations can escalate to $250 to $500. Milwaukee charges $50 for the first offense and $250 for subsequent violations in the same season. Some cities will clear the sidewalk for you after a violation and bill you for the cost, which is usually $100 to $300 plus the fine.

Liability is the bigger risk

Beyond fines, property owners face civil liability for slip-and-fall injuries on uncleared sidewalks. In most states, the property owner is liable for injuries caused by failure to maintain the sidewalk in a reasonably safe condition during winter weather. A single slip-and-fall lawsuit can result in damages far exceeding any municipal fine. This is the practical reason most property owners shovel promptly.

Renters and tenants

In many cities, the responsibility falls on the property owner, not the tenant, even if the tenant lives there. However, some leases shift snow removal responsibility to the tenant. If your lease includes this provision, you could be liable for both the fine and any injury claims. Check your lease.