Rochester, NY Property Maintenance: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (2026)
Key Facts
- Duty falls on
- Building or lot owner
- Overnight snow deadline
- Cleared by 9:00 a.m.
- Daytime snow deadline
- Cleared by 8:00 p.m.
- Minimum path if unpaved
- At least four feet wide
- Code section
- City Code § 104-11(C)
Summary
In Rochester, the owner of a building or lot must clear snow and ice from adjoining sidewalks by 9:00 a.m. when snow falls overnight, and by 8:00 p.m. when it falls during the day, keeping at least a four-foot-wide path clear.
The owner of a building or lot must keep the sidewalks adjoining such building or lot free and clear from snow and ice and must not suffer or permit snow or ice to collect or remain on such sidewalk later than 9:00 a.m. if such snow shall have fallen or collected after 8:00 p.m. of the previous evening or later than 8:00 p.m. if such snow shall have fallen and collected after 9:00 a.m. ... The portion of the sidewalk required to be kept free from snow and ice is the portion thereof which is paved, if any, and if no portion is paved, a space at least four feet in width shall be kept free and clear as stated above.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4935326; v86 updated 2026-06-16; through 06-16-2026).
Full Breakdown
Code of the City of Rochester § 104-11(C) places the duty on the owner of the building or lot. If snow falls or collects after 8:00 p.m., the sidewalk must be clear by 9:00 a.m. the next morning; if it falls after 9:00 a.m., it must be clear by 8:00 p.m. that day. Where the walk is paved, the entire paved width must be cleared; where no portion is paved, a space at least four feet wide must be kept free. After City plows pass through, the owner must still remove whatever snow and ice they leave behind. Subsection D bars dumping snow back onto a roadway, a sidewalk, or against a fire hydrant.
Violations & Fines
Enforced by the Department of Environmental Services. The owner remains responsible for snow left after City plows pass, and no one may push cleared snow onto a roadway, another sidewalk, or a fire hydrant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for clearing a Rochester sidewalk?
How soon must snow be cleared?
Can I pile the cleared snow in the street?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rochester
New York rules heatmap·Compare Rochester to another location·View the New York property maintenance overview
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