New York, NY Property Maintenance: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (2026)
Key Facts
- Clearing deadline
- 4 hours after snow stops
- Excluded hours
- 9pm-7am not counted
- First violation fine
- $10-$150
- Repeat violation fine
- up to $350
- Enforcement
- DSNY / Environmental Control Board
Summary
NYC property owners must clear snow and ice from abutting sidewalks within 4 daytime hours after snow stops falling, or face civil penalties starting at $10.
Every owner, lessee, tenant, occupant, or other person, having charge of any building or lot of ground in the city, abutting upon any street where the sidewalk is paved, shall, within four hours after the snow ceases to fall, or after the deposit of any dirt or other material upon such sidewalk, remove the snow or ice, dirt, or other material from the sidewalk and gutter, the time between nine post meridian and seven ante meridian not being included in the above period of four hours.
Full Breakdown
Under Administrative Code § 16-123, the owner, lessee, tenant or occupant of any building or lot abutting a paved sidewalk must remove snow, ice, dirt or other material within four hours after snow stops falling, excluding the overnight window from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. If ice is frozen too hard to remove without damaging the pavement, the property must instead be strewn with ashes, sand or sawdust until it can be cleaned. Queens and Staten Island frontages of 500+ linear feet get a reasonable-time allowance instead of the strict 4-hour cutoff. If the owner fails to act, the Sanitation Commissioner can have the snow removed and bill the cost as a tax lien on the property.
Violations & Fines
Civil penalty $10-$150 for a first violation; $150-$250 for a second violation within 12 months; $250-$350 for a third or subsequent violation within 12 months, plus up to $350 in additional penalties for failing to answer a summons.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do NYC property owners have to clear sidewalk snow?
What happens if I don't clear my sidewalk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New York
New York rules heatmap·Compare New York to another location·View the New York property maintenance overview
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