Indianapolis, IN Property Maintenance: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (2026)
Key Facts
- Overnight deadline
- clear by 9 a.m. next day
- Daytime deadline
- clear by 7 p.m. same day
- Max fine
- $50 per conviction
- Who's responsible
- occupant, or owner if vacant
Summary
Property owners and occupants must clear sidewalk snow and ice within set morning and evening deadlines or face a fine of up to $50 in Indianapolis.
In case snow or ice has accumulated or fallen on any sidewalk or is continuing to fall after 7:00 p.m., it shall be removed, if practical to do so, or a sufficient path be cleared by the occupant or owner before 9:00 a.m. of the following day. If any snow or ice has fallen or accumulated on any sidewalk after 9:00 a.m., it shall be removed or a path cleared by the occupant or owner by 7:00 p.m. of such day, if the snow has ceased to fall by that time. In either of the foregoing events, the occupant or owner shall be deemed and held to have complied with the provisions of this section.(c)Any person violating any of the provisions of this section, upon conviction, shall be fined in any sum not exceeding fifty dollars ($50.00). (Code 1975, § 28-14)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 47 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Indianapolis Code Sec. 431-106 requires the occupant, or the owner of an unoccupied property, to keep the sidewalk in front of or next to their premises cleared of snow and ice so far as practicable. Snow that falls or accumulates after 7 p.m. must be cleared, if practical, or a path made, by 9 a.m. the next day; snow that falls after 9 a.m. must be cleared by 7 p.m. that same day once it stops falling. Violators are fined up to $50 per conviction.
Violations & Fines
Conviction carries a fine of up to $50 for failing to clear or path sidewalk snow and ice within the required deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to shovel snow off my Indianapolis sidewalk?
What's the fine for not clearing sidewalk snow?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Indianapolis
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