Boise, ID Property Maintenance: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Boise City Code § 7-5-5
- Deadline
- 9:00 A.M. whenever snow is on the ground
- Who's responsible
- building/vacant lot owner or person in charge
- Classification
- misdemeanor, § 7-5-7
- Related duty
- daily sweeping 4-9 AM (§ 7-5-4)
Summary
Boise property owners must clear snow from the sidewalk and gutter in front of their building or vacant lot by 9:00 A.M. whenever snow is on the ground, under Boise City Code section 7-5-5, and keep the walkway conveniently free of snow for the rest of the day. Failing to comply is a misdemeanor under section 7-5-7.
Every owner of any building or vacant lot, and every person having the charge of any church, jail or public building in this City shall, during the time snow shall be on the ground, by nine o'clock (9:00) A.M. every morning, when necessary, clear the sidewalks and gutters in front of his property from snow, and keep conveniently free therefrom during the day, so as to allow citizens to use the sidewalks in an easy, safe and commodious manner. It shall be unlawful for any person to neglect or refuse to comply with the provisions of this section.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-31: Code current through: Ord. 20-26, passed 6-9-2026).
Full Breakdown
Boise City Code section 7-5-5, part of Title 7, Chapter 5 (Sidewalks), applies to every owner of any building or vacant lot, and every person having the charge of any church, jail or public building in the city. Whenever snow is on the ground, the property owner or person in charge must clear the sidewalks and gutters fronting the property by nine o'clock in the morning, when necessary, and keep them conveniently free of snow through the rest of the day so residents can use the sidewalk in an easy, safe and commodious manner.
The obligation applies daily during a snow event, not just once per storm, since the section requires the walkway to stay clear during the day. , and section 7-5-6 requires owners to keep the sidewalk properly drained so water doesn't stand on it and bars leaving a hose on the sidewalk overnight. deadline exposes the responsible owner or occupant to a criminal citation rather than a civil fine.
Violations & Fines
Failing to clear snow from the sidewalk and gutter by 9:00 A.M., or letting it re-accumulate uncleared during the day, is a misdemeanor under section 7-5-7, punishable per the criminal penalty in section 1-4-1 of the Boise City Code. The same criminal penalty applies to skipping the daily sidewalk sweeping duty in section 7-5-4 or letting water pool on the sidewalk in violation of the drainage rule in section 7-5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
By what time do I have to shovel snow off my Boise sidewalk?
Who is responsible for clearing snow, the owner or the tenant?
What happens if I don't clear my sidewalk in time?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boise
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