Philadelphia County requires property owners to clear snow and ice from abutting sidewalks within 6 hours of snowfall ending (or by 10 AM if snow ends overnight) per Phila. Code 10-720, with a 36-inch clear path required.
Philadelphia Code 10-720 requires every owner, tenant, or occupant of a property abutting a sidewalk to remove snow and ice within 6 hours after precipitation ends. If snow ends between 9 PM and 6 AM, clearing must be complete by 10 AM. A clear path of at least 36 inches (or the full sidewalk width if less than 36 inches) is required, and corner properties must also clear curb cuts and ADA ramps. Ice must be treated with salt, sand, or environmentally safe ice melt. Streets Department and L&I enforce through complaints and proactive patrols during winter events. Shoveled snow cannot be placed in the street or on fire hydrants. Churches and senior-occupied properties may request Volunteer Snow Patrol assistance through 311.
Uncleared sidewalk: $50 first offense, $100 second, $300 third under Phila. Code 10-720. Snow in the street: $150 plus required removal. ADA ramp not cleared: $300 per corner.
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