Illinois Snow & Sidewalk Clearing Law: Statewide Property Maintenance Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: 745 ILCS 75
Coverage: Residential properties only
Immunity: Except willful misconduct
Natural accumulation: No duty to remove

Full Breakdown

The Snow and Ice Removal Act (745 ILCS 75) provides residential property owners with civil immunity from injuries caused by their own snow or ice removal efforts on adjoining sidewalks, unless their acts constitute willful or wanton misconduct. The Act preserves the common-law natural accumulation rule, meaning owners generally have no duty to remove naturally fallen snow from public sidewalks. Municipalities may still impose snow-clearing ordinances on owners, but cannot eliminate the state's liability immunity. The Act applies to residential property only; commercial owners are governed by separate negligence standards.

Violations & Penalties

No state penalties; municipal fines apply where local clearing ordinances exist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I liable if someone slips on my snowy sidewalk in Illinois?

Generally no, for natural accumulation. The Snow and Ice Removal Act immunizes residential owners from liability for clearing efforts unless willful or wanton misconduct occurred.

Does the Act apply to businesses?

No. The statutory immunity covers only residential properties. Commercial property owners may face liability under common law negligence for unnatural accumulations.

Illinois Snow and Ice Removal Act Liability Protection

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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