Reno, NV Property Maintenance: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (2026)

Although Reno sits at 4,500 feet elevation and receives less snow than Lake Tahoe, significant snowstorms occur several times per winter. Under Reno Municipal Code sidewalk maintenance provisions, adjacent property owners and occupants are responsible for removing snow and ice from the public sidewalk abutting their property. Clearing is generally required within 24 hours after snowfall ends or by noon the following day, whichever the code specifies. The cleared path should be wide enough for pedestrian use (typically the full width of the sidewalk). Piled snow should not block ADA-accessible curb ramps, fire hydrants, storm drains, or the street itself. Salt, sand, or ice-melt may be applied; calcium chloride is common but can damage concrete over time. The city plows public streets (roughly 1,000 lane miles) on a priority route system but does not clear residential sidewalks. Commercial properties have the same obligation and often face faster enforcement due to pedestrian traffic. Wheelchair users and pedestrians can report uncleared sidewalks to Reno Direct.