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St. Louis, MO Property Maintenance: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Duty
Clear snow immediately after each snowfall
Minimum clear path
5-foot-wide lane free of snow/ice
6+ unit buildings
Owner or owner's agent responsible
1-6 unit buildings
Owner/agent plus nearest occupant
Penalty
$25-$500 fine, up to 90 days jail

Summary

St. Louis requires owners, managers and occupants to clear sidewalk snow immediately after each snowfall and keep a five-foot path free of ice at all times, or face misdemeanor fines up to $500.

After any fall of snow, owners, managers, agents or occupiers of any premises shall cause the snow to be immediately removed from the improved area of the sidewalk in the public street adjacent to such premises, and the improved area of the sidewalk shall also be kept clear of ice at all times. If no part of the sidewalk area be improved, then a lane five feet wide in the sidewalk area shall be kept free from snow and ice at all times.

Source: St. Louis Snow and Ice InformationView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 11).

Full Breakdown

St. Louis Revised Code § 11.18.210 makes snow removal an immediate, ongoing duty: owners, managers, agents or occupiers must clear snow from the sidewalk right after it falls and keep it free of ice at all times. Where the sidewalk isn't improved, a five-foot-wide lane must stay clear of snow and ice. Buildings with six or more units make removal the owner or agent's job; buildings with one to six units add a duty for the occupant nearest the street. Health officers, fire inspectors, neighborhood stabilization officers and police enforce it under § 11.18.220, with misdemeanor fines running $25 to $500 under § 11.18.240.

Violations & Fines

Misdemeanor: fine of $25 to $500 or up to 90 days in jail per § 11.18.240; each day the violation continues is a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon do I need to clear snow from my St. Louis sidewalk?
Immediately after each snowfall, per § 11.18.210: the code sets no grace period. The improved sidewalk must be cleared right away and kept free of ice at all times.
Who is responsible for snow removal at a rental building?
In buildings with six or more units, the owner or their agent must clear the sidewalk. In smaller buildings of one to six units, the occupant nearest the street shares that duty with the owner.
What happens if I don't clear the sidewalk?
It's a misdemeanor under § 11.18.240, punishable by a fine of $25 to $500 or up to 90 days in jail; each day the violation continues counts as a separate offense.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in St. Louis

Property BlightSignificant RestrictionsVacant Lot MaintenanceSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome Restrictions

All St. Louis rules

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