Connecticut Statewide Rule

Connecticut Sidewalk Snow Removal Liability Limitation Law

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Connecticut (2026)

Key Facts

Liability shift statute: Conn. Gen. Stat. 7-163a
Highway defect law: Sec. 13a-149
Liability target: Abutting property owner
Local timing: Set by ordinance
Typical fine: $50-$250

Last verified: August 20, 2026Source: State of Connecticut

Summary

Connecticut state law shifts liability for sidewalk snow and ice from municipalities to abutting property owners when local ordinances require clearing, establishing uniform statewide liability framework.

Sec. 7-163a. Municipal liability for ice and snow on public sidewalks. (a) Any town, city, borough, consolidated town and city or consolidated town and borough may, by ordinance, adopt the provisions of this section. (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 13a-149 or any other general statute or special act, such town, city, borough, consolidated town and city or consolidated town and borough shall not be liable to any person injured in person or property caused by the presence of ice or snow on a public sidewalk unless such municipality is the owner or person in possession and control of land abutting such sidewalk, other than land used as a highway or street, provided such municipality shall be liable for its affirmative acts with respect to such sidewalk. (c) (1) The owner or person in possession and control of land abutting a public sidewalk shall have the same duty of care with respect to the presence of ice or snow on such sidewalk toward the portion of the sidewalk abutting his property as the municipality had prior to the effective date of any ordinance adopted pursuant to the provisions of this section and shall be liable to persons injured in person or property where a breach of said duty is the proximate cause of said injury.

Source: State of ConnecticutView official code

Full Breakdown

Conn. Gen. Stat. Sec. 7-163a allows any municipality, by ordinance, to shift liability for injuries caused by snow and ice on public sidewalks from the city to the owner or occupant of abutting property. Once a town adopts the shift via ordinance, the property owner becomes legally responsible for injuries from unremoved snow or ice. The statute creates the uniform legal framework, though specific clearing deadlines (typically 4-24 hours after snowfall) are set locally. The state Highway Defect Statute (Sec. 13a-149) governs claims against municipalities not adopting the shift.

Violations & Penalties

Property owners face civil liability for slip-and-fall injuries plus municipal fines for non-compliance with clearing ordinances, typically $50-$250 per occurrence per local schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I responsible for clearing the sidewalk in front of my house?

Only if your municipality has adopted an ordinance under Sec. 7-163a shifting liability. Most Connecticut cities have. Check local rules for required clearing timeframes after snowfall ends.

Can I be sued if someone slips on my unshoveled sidewalk?

Yes, in towns that adopted the Sec. 7-163a liability shift. Homeowner insurance typically covers such claims, but failure to clear within local deadlines exposes you to negligence liability.

Sources

Conn. Gen. Stat. Sec. 7-163a

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