Paterson, NJ Property Maintenance: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- City Code § 435-103 to § 435-106
- Clearing deadline
- 12 daylight hours after snowfall
- Fine
- $50 plus $30 court costs
- Non-compliance remedy
- City removes it, liens property
Summary
Paterson owners and tenants must clear sidewalk snow and ice within 12 daylight hours of it falling, or the City removes it and liens the property.
The owner or tenant in possession of lands abutting or bordering upon the sidewalks of public streets or public places in the City shall remove all snow and ice from the abutting sidewalks within 12 hours of daylight after the same shall fall or be formed thereon.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4713536; v19 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 435-103 requires the owner or tenant of property abutting a public sidewalk to remove all snow and ice within 12 hours of daylight after it falls or forms. If they don't, § 435-104 lets the Director of Public Works have it removed and certify the cost to the Department of Finance, which becomes a lien and tax on the property, collected the same way as other property taxes. Section 435-105 separately bars dumping snow or ice from private property onto a sidewalk or roadway, or piling it in traffic lanes.
Violations & Fines
Fine of $50 payable at the Violations Bureau, plus $30 in court costs, per § 435-106; noncompliance also triggers City removal with the cost placed as a lien against the property under § 435-104.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to shovel my sidewalk in Paterson?
What happens if I don't clear my Paterson sidewalk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paterson
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