Pittsburgh, PA Property Maintenance: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (2026)
Key Facts
- Deadline
- 24 hours after snowfall or ice
- Fine
- Up to $300 plus costs per offense
- Enforcement
- Private citizens may file criminal complaint
- Applies to
- Concrete, brick, stone sidewalks citywide
- Citation
- Pittsburgh Code § 419.03; § 101.09
Summary
Pittsburgh property owners and tenants must clear snow and ice from sidewalks within 24 hours of a snowfall or freezing rain, or face fines up to $300 per day under the city's general penalty code.
Every tenant, occupant or owner having the care or charge of any land or building fronting on any street in the city, where there is a sidewalk paved with concrete, brick, stone or other material shall, within twenty-four (24) hours after the fall of any snow or sleet, or the accumulation of ice caused by freezing rainfall, cause the same to be removed from the sidewalk.
Full Breakdown
Pittsburgh Code § 419.03 puts the clock on whoever has care or charge of property fronting a paved sidewalk: snow, sleet, or ice from freezing rain must be cleared within 24 hours of falling. The Code sets no separate fine for this section, so the citywide general penalty in § 101.09 applies, up to $300 plus costs per offense, with each day the sidewalk stays uncleared counting as a new violation. Pittsburgh also lets any private resident file a criminal complaint over an unshoveled sidewalk directly with a City Magistrate under § 101.09(e), which names Chapter 419.03 specifically.
Violations & Fines
Up to $300 fine plus costs per offense under § 101.09(a); each day the sidewalk remains uncleared is a separate violation, and neighbors may file a private criminal complaint.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to clear snow from my sidewalk in Pittsburgh?
What's the fine for not shoveling snow in Pittsburgh?
Who has to clear the sidewalk snow?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pittsburgh
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Snow & Sidewalk Clearing in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Allegheny County handle snow & sidewalk clearing.