Seattle, WA Property Maintenance: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (2026)

010 states plainly that 'it is the responsibility of the owner or occupant of private property to remove snow and ice on the sidewalks abutting his or her property in a timely manner,' and, so far as practical, to prevent the walk from becoming or remaining icy, ridged, uneven, humped, or otherwise potentially hazardous to sidewalk users. The section doesn't set a fixed hour-by-hour deadline, the standard is 'timely,' judged against the hazard the ice or snow creates, but it applies to both owners and occupants, so renters share the duty alongside landlords.

040, including a 15-day window to respond, mitigation or contested hearings before the Hearing Examiner, and referral to collections if a penalty goes unpaid. 020 lets the Director instead pursue the violation as a gross misdemeanor with absolute liability, meaning no intent has to be proven.