Snow & Sidewalk Clearing: Chicago vs Des Plaines
How do snow & sidewalk clearing rules compare between Chicago, IL and Des Plaines, IL?
Des Plaines has fewer restrictions than Chicago.
Chicago, IL
Cook County
Chicago property owners and occupants must clear snow and ice from sidewalks within 3 hours of snowfall ending during daytime and 10 hours if snow falls at night. Clearance must extend the full width of the abutting sidewalk. Owners face slip-and-fall liability and code fines for noncompliance.
View full Chicago rules →Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
Des Plaines requires property owners to clear snow and ice from public sidewalks adjacent to their property within a reasonable time after a snowfall ends, typically 24 hours. Snow may not be shoveled or blown into the public street. Salt or other ice melt is encouraged for slip prevention.
View full Des Plaines rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | Des Plaines |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Clearance Time | - | 24 hours typical |
| Path Width | - | 36 inches min |
| Snow in Street | - | Prohibited |
| City Plows Sidewalks | - | No |
| Good Samaritan | - | 745 ILCS 75 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chicago FAQ
How long do I have to shovel my sidewalk in Chicago?
Three hours after daytime snowfall ends, or 10 hours after overnight snow stops if it fell between 7 PM and 7 AM.
How wide does the cleared path need to be?
You must clear the full width of the sidewalk that abuts your property.
Can I use salt or sand on the sidewalk?
Yes. If ice cannot be removed, MCC 10-8-180 requires it to be sprinkled with sand, sawdust, or a similar abrasive. Salt is commonly used and legal.
Des Plaines FAQ
Do I have to shovel my Des Plaines sidewalk?
Yes. Property owners must clear snow and ice from public sidewalks adjacent to their property, typically within 24 hours after a snowfall ends, under the City's property maintenance code.
Can I push snow into the street?
No. Pushing or blowing snow into the public street is prohibited because it interferes with City plows and creates traffic hazards. Pile snow on your property side of the sidewalk.
Am I liable if someone slips on my sidewalk?
Illinois's Snow and Ice Removal Act provides limited 'Good Samaritan' protection for residential owners who voluntarily clear snow. However, negligent maintenance can still create liability.
Compare other topics
See how Chicago and Des Plaines compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool