Schenectady, NY Property Maintenance: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (2026)
Key Facts
- Deadline
- 24 hours after precipitation ends
- Area to clear
- Full walk width plus 18-inch gutter
- Enforced by
- City police; City Engineer
- Penalty
- Up to $500; costs billed
- Unpaid costs
- Added to owner's tax bill
Summary
Schenectady gives every property owner 24 hours after snow, sleet or freezing rain stops to clear the abutting sidewalk for its full width plus 18 inches of gutter from the curb. The City Engineer clears neglected walks and bills the owner.
It shall be the duty of every owner of any building or lot of land within the City fronting or abutting on a paved sidewalk or fire hydrant to remove and clear away or cause to be removed and cleared away snow, ice and debris from so much of said sidewalk and/or fire hydrant as abuts on said building or lot of land for the whole width thereof and from the gutters for the space of 18 inches from the curbstone line. In the case of snow and ice, said sidewalks, fire hydrants and gutters shall be cleared of snow, sleet or freezing rain within 24 hours of cessation of precipitation. In the event that snow and ice on a sidewalk and fire hydrant has become so congealed that it cannot be removed without injury to the pavement and/or fire hydrants, the person or entities charged with its removal shall, within the time listed above, cause enough sand or other abrasive to be put on the sidewalk, fire hydrants and gutters to make travel thereon reasonably safe and shall, as soon thereafter as weather permits, cause said sidewalks, fire hydrants and gutters to be thoroughly cleared. At all times, such sidewalks, fire hydrants and gutters shall be free and clear from all dirt, filth and other obstructions or encumbrances so as to allow the citizens to use the sidewalks and crosswalks. In no case, may a dangerous condition be permitted. [Amended 2-12-1996 by Ord. No. 96-09]
B.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4990798; v11 updated 2026-04-13; through 04-13-2026).
Full Breakdown
Under City Code § 228-17, the owner of any building or lot fronting a paved sidewalk or fire hydrant must remove snow, ice and debris from the whole width of the walk and 18 inches of gutter out from the curbstone line, within 24 hours after precipitation stops. If ice has congealed too hard to lift, the owner must sand it within that window and clear it fully once weather permits. Schenectady police enforce the section and may serve written notice. If the owner still fails, the City Engineer clears the walk and bills the cost plus administrative charges; unpaid after 10 days, it goes onto the owner's tax bill.
Violations & Fines
A violation is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding $150, or a penalty not exceeding $500 recovered in a civil action, plus the City's certified removal and administrative costs charged back to the owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to shovel my sidewalk in Schenectady?
What happens if I don't clear it?
What if the ice is frozen solid?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Schenectady
New York rules heatmap·Compare Schenectady to another location·View the New York property maintenance overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.