Seattle requires property owners and occupants to clear snow and ice from adjacent sidewalks under SMC 15.48, though enforcement is relatively rare given the city's infrequent snowfall events.
Under SMC 15.48, property owners and occupants are responsible for removing snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their property within a reasonable time after accumulation. The sidewalk must be cleared to a width that allows safe pedestrian passage. Use of salt and chemical deicers is discouraged in favor of sand, gravel, or kitty litter to protect Puget Sound water quality. The city prioritizes plowing arterial roads and bridge decks, while neighborhood streets and sidewalks are the responsibility of residents. During major snow events, Seattle Department of Transportation activates its winter weather response plan and may issue emergency parking restrictions to facilitate plowing.
Property owners who fail to clear sidewalks may face complaints and potential liability for slip-and-fall injuries. While the city rarely issues citations for snow clearing violations, property owners may be held liable in civil claims for injuries occurring on uncleared sidewalks adjacent to their property.
Seattle, WA
Seattle's Land Use Code allows residential lawn ornaments, statuary, and yard art without permits provided structures do not exceed accessory-structure heigh...
Seattle, WA
Seattle does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. Standard Noise Ordinance (SMC 25.08) limits apply to blower-motor noise...
Seattle, WA
Seattle has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. The general Noise Ordinance SMC 25.08 applies to any amplified ou...
Seattle, WA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Seattle require building permits from SDCI when they include new electrical, plumbing, gas piping, or a structural roof under Se...
Seattle, WA
Backyard wood and pellet smokers in Seattle are allowed at single-family homes but are subject to Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) Regulation I, Section ...
Seattle, WA
Seattle Fire Code Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas containers larger than 1 lb on combustible balconies of multi-family buildi...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle snow & sidewalk clearing.
See how Seattle's snow & sidewalk clearing rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.