Union County, NJ Property Maintenance: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (2026)

Snow and ice clearance responsibilities fall on property owners throughout Union County under municipal ordinances authorized by N.J.S.A. 40:65-12. Elizabeth Revised Ordinances Chapter 12.04 requires abutting property owners to clear snow and ice within 24 hours after snowfall ends, with a clear path minimum 36 inches wide. Westfield Code §11-35 requires 24-hour clearance. Summit Chapter 185 requires 12-hour clearance after snow ends (one of the strictest in Union County). Cranford Code §234 requires 24 hours. Scotch Plains and Mountainside 24 hours. Plainfield 12 hours. Linden 24 hours. Rahway 24 hours. Ice that cannot be fully removed must be treated with sand, salt, or approved de-icing agents. Fire hydrant clearance within 3 feet is required in Westfield, Summit, Cranford, and many other municipalities. Corner property owners must clear curb ramps and crosswalk approaches. NJ civil liability for slip-and-fall injuries on uncleared sidewalks is well-established; the Luchejko v. City of Hoboken line of cases creates shared responsibility between owner and municipality for commercial properties, but residential owners face direct liability for negligent failure to clear. Elderly residents (65+) and disabled residents may qualify for snow assistance programs in Westfield, Cranford, Summit, and Scotch Plains coordinated through senior services or volunteer organizations. Commercial properties face stricter enforcement with faster response expectations.