Hartford, CT Property Maintenance: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (2026)
Key Facts
- Daytime deadline
- 6 hours after snow stops
- Overnight deadline
- 9:00 a.m. next day
- Fine per citation
- $99.00
- Repeat violations
- Each day is a separate offense
- Enforced by
- Public Works and Police
Summary
Hartford requires whoever controls a property to clear the full width of the abutting sidewalk of snow, ice and sleet within six hours of daytime snowfall, or by 9:00 a.m. after an overnight storm.
The property owner, occupant, tenant, or agent in control of any premises...which is in front of, along or adjoining any graded, paved or planked sidewalk shall cause all snow, ice, sleet, and/or freezing precipitation to be removed from the entire width of the sidewalk...following the conclusion of the weather event. If such fall...is in the daytime, it shall be removed within six (6) hours of the ceasing of such fall or freezing; or if such fall or freezing is in the nighttime, it shall be removed before 9:00 am of the succeeding day.
Full Breakdown
The duty falls on the property owner, occupant, tenant, or agent in control of premises fronting a graded, paved or planked sidewalk, covering the entire sidewalk width plus any adjacent curb-cut. Ice that can't fully be removed within the deadline must be sanded or otherwise treated so the sidewalk is safe for travel (§ 31-143). Snow within three feet of a fire hydrant must also be cleared, and dumping snow from private property into the street is separately banned (§ 31-146).
Violations & Fines
The Director of Public Works or Police Chief can issue a notice of violation; if uncorrected, the property owner is cited and fined $99.00, with each day a separate offense, plus extra charges if the City has to shovel or treat the sidewalk itself. Citations can be appealed within 10 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to clear snow from my Hartford sidewalk?
What's the fine for not clearing snow in Hartford?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hartford
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