Ontario, CA Property Maintenance: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (2026)
Key Facts
- Snow
- No snowfall ordinance
- Sidewalk duty
- Streets Hwys Code 5610
- Tree clearance
- 8 ft over sidewalk
- Repair notice
- 30 days typical
- Contact
- Public Works (909) 395-2020
Summary
Ontario does not receive snow, but property owners must maintain sidewalks free of debris, obstructions, and trip hazards under California Streets and Highways Code 5610 and OMC Chapter 7.
Streets and Highways Code - SHC. DIVISION 7. THE IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1911 [5000 - 6794]. PART 3. PERFORMING THE WORK [5100 - 5954]. CHAPTER 22. Maintenance of Sidewalks [5600 - 5630]. ARTICLE 2. Repairs [5610 - 5618]. 5610. The owners of lots or portions of lots fronting on any portion of a public street or place when that street or place is improved or if and when the area between the property line of the adjacent property and the street line is maintained as a park or parking strip, shall maintain any sidewalk in such condition that the sidewalk will not endanger persons or property and maintain it in a condition which will not interfere with the public convenience in the use of those works or areas save and except as to those conditions created or maintained in, upon, along, or in connection with such sidewalk by any person other than the owner, under and by virtue of any permit or right granted to him by law or by the city authorities in charge thereof, and such persons shall be under a like duty in relation thereto. (Added by Stats. 1941, Ch. 79.)
Full Breakdown
Because Ontario sits in the Inland Empire at approximately 950 feet elevation, snow accumulation is essentially nonexistent and there is no municipal snow shoveling ordinance. However, California Streets and Highways Code 5610 makes abutting property owners responsible for keeping adjacent sidewalks in safe condition free from trip hazards, dirt, mud, debris, and oil or grease. Ontario Municipal Code Title 7 (Streets, Sidewalks, and Public Works) authorizes the Public Works Agency to issue a notice to repair when a sidewalk heaves, cracks, or becomes unsafe. Owners typically have 30 days to fix the hazard or the City may perform the repair and lien the property.
Overhanging tree branches must be trimmed to a minimum clearance of 8 feet over sidewalks and 14 feet over streets under OMC Chapter 7. Leaves, grass clippings, and irrigation runoff draining into the gutter also violate the City's stormwater MS4 permit and can trigger code enforcement. Temporary obstructions such as pods or dumpsters require an encroachment permit from Public Works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it snow in Ontario, California?
Who fixes a cracked sidewalk in front of my Ontario home?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ontario
California rules heatmap·Compare Ontario to another location·View the California property maintenance overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Snow & Sidewalk Clearing in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle snow & sidewalk clearing.