Providence, RI Property Maintenance: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (2026)
Key Facts
- Deadline
- 8 daylight hours after snowfall ends
- Minimum path width
- 3 feet
- Fine range
- $25-$500 per day
- City cleanup penalty
- $100 plus removal cost
- Lien trigger
- Fine unpaid after 30 days
Summary
Providence property owners must clear sidewalk snow and ice within 8 daylight hours of a snowfall or face daily fines up to $500.
All owners or persons having care of any property bordering any street, highway or public place within the city, shall, within the first eight (8) hours of daylight after the end of any snowfall...remove or cause to be removed all snow or ice from a path not less than three (3) feet in width the length of the sidewalk...Any person found guilty of violating this section shall be fined not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00), nor more than five hundred dollars ($500.00), for each calendar day upon which such snow or ice is not removed or treated as herein provided.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 7).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 23-13 gives owners and caretakers of property bordering any street, highway, or public place 8 daylight hours after a snowfall ends to clear a path at least 3 feet wide the full length of their sidewalk, including curb ramps, fire hydrants, and catch basins. Corner lots must also clear the sidewalk past the property to the curb. Fines run $25 to $500 per calendar day the snow or ice stays, and the public works department can do the work itself and bill the owner plus a $100 penalty, backed by a lien if unpaid within 30 days.
Violations & Fines
Fined $25-$500 per calendar day snow/ice remains uncleared; city may clear it and bill owner plus $100 penalty; unpaid fines become a property lien after 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Providence residents have to clear sidewalk snow?
Who enforces the Providence snow-clearing rule?
Can Providence appeal a snow-removal fine?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Providence
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Snow & Sidewalk Clearing in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle snow & sidewalk clearing.