After NYC’s biggest snowfall in five years buried some neighborhoods under nearly 15 inches of snow, shoveling sidewalks quickly became everyone’s least favorite full body workout. And if you were hoping that was the end of it, brace yourself: a second storm is coming. Translation: keep that shovel handy, because if you fail to clear your sidewalk in time the city will happily hit you with a fine.
Snowfall in NYC always looks magical at first–and New Yorkers are nothing if not committed to enjoying a good blizzard–but it doesn’t take long for the most dreaded season to begin: the Winter Olympics (aka slush puddle jumping and snowbank hurdling).
Any true New Yorker has mastered the art of winter obstacle courses since the snow has a habit of overstaying its welcome. And unfortunately, those who need to clear it can’t just pretend it isn’t there–there are specific rules about when it’s time to break out the shovel.
⏰ When Do You Need To Shovel Snow By?
New York City requires property and business owners to clear snow and ice off sidewalks and other pedestrian walkways according to a strict schedule to ensure they’re safe and accessible for everyone. If the snow stops falling between:
- 7 am and 5 pm, clear the sidewalk within 4 hours
- 5 pm and 9 pm, clear the sidewalk within 14 hours
- 9 pm and 7 am, clear the sidewalk by 11 am
Additionally, if the snow stops falling at 7 pm, the sidewalk must be cleared or salted/sanded by 9 am the following morning.
❄️ Snow Clearing Rules
And before you try to get away with the bare minimum, a sad, shovel-wide path won’t cut it. Sidewalks must be cleared to a full four-foot width–and that’s just one of several snow-clearing rules New Yorkers are required to follow, including:
- Clear a path at least 4 feet wide
- Clear access to the crosswalk and pedestrian ramp (curb cut) if you own a corner property
- Shovel bus stops and fire hydrants
- Spread salt, sand, or other granular material if the ground is frozen
- Do not shovel snow into the street
Those that fail to follow these rules may a fine of up to $250 from the Department of Sanitation (DSNY), which oversees the city’s snow removal.
🚨 Report A Snowy Or Icy Sidewalk
New Yorkers can report snowy or icy sidewalks in front of residences or businesses online.
Snowy bus stop shelters, fire hydrants, parks, schools, and more can also be reported according to the guidelines on 311’s website.