NYC Admin Code §16-123 requires property owners and tenants of one-, two-, and three-family homes to clear snow and ice from sidewalks within 4 hours after snowfall ends (or by 11 AM for overnight snow). Commercial and multi-family building owners must clear within 4 hours. Failure to clear carries fines of $100–$350.
NYC Admin Code §16-123 mandates that property owners clear snow, ice, and dirt from sidewalks within 4 hours after snowfall stops (or by 11 AM if snow stops overnight between 9 PM and 7 AM). This applies to all property types. Building owners must clear a path at least 4 feet wide and clear to the curb at bus stops and crosswalks. Salt, sand, or other approved de-icing materials may be used, but ashes and materials that create slip hazards are prohibited. The city clears snow from crosswalks at signalized intersections and from bus stops. Property owners adjacent to fire hydrants must clear a 3-foot path to the hydrant. DSNY enforces sidewalk clearing rules through inspection and 311 complaints. Owners of corner properties must clear the full length of both street frontages. Landlords are generally responsible for clearing, but lease terms may assign responsibility to tenants in some cases.
First offense: $100–$150 fine for residential properties, $150–$350 for commercial. Subsequent violations: escalating fines. Property owners may also face slip-and-fall liability under Admin Code §7-210. Failure to clear fire hydrants: additional FDNY violation.
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