Colonie, NY Property Maintenance: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (2026)

The Town of Colonie's snow-and-ice approach is distinctive: rather than requiring abutting property owners to clear public sidewalks (the standard NY town/city model), Public Works clears Town-maintained sidewalks itself. The Highway Division's snow removal program targets clearing within 48-72 hours after a snowstorm, though it may take longer depending on storm severity, snowfall depth, and route load. Driveway aprons that are blocked by plow windrows are the homeowner's responsibility - the Town does not re-clear apron windrows. Town Code Chapter 162 (Streets and Sidewalks) sets the liability framework adopted by the Town Board under NY Town Law §65-a and NY Municipal Home Rule Law §10(1)(ii)(d)(3): the Town is not liable for damages or injuries to persons or property caused by snow or ice on streets or sidewalks unless written prior-written notice specifying the exact location of the defect was served on the Town Attorney, and the Town failed to remove the snow or ice or make the place reasonably safe within a reasonable time after receipt of notice. This is the standard prior-written-notice defense used by NY municipalities under General Municipal Law §50-i and Town Law §65-a. Public Works also requires residents not to shovel or push snow into the streets, which obstructs plowing, creates a road hazard, and may violate NY Vehicle and Traffic Law §1219 (depositing injurious materials on highway). The Village of Colonie and Village of Menands (incorporated villages within the Town) operate separate sidewalk-clearing rules under their own village codes - village residents should consult Village of Colonie code or Village of Menands code for their specific duties. Authority: NY Town Law §65-a; NY MHRL §10; NY Highway Law §140 (Town highway-superintendent duties).