Responsibility for Cleaning Snow & Ice on Sidewalks in NYC

Who is responsible for cleaning snow and ice from the sidewalk?

According to the NYC Administrative Code, every owner, lessee, tenant, occupant or other person having charge of any lot or building must clean snow and ice from the sidewalks adjacent (i.e., in front of, on the side of, in back of) to their properties.

How long do I have to clean the sidewalk? If the snow stops falling between:

• 7:00 a.m. and 4:49 p.m. – you must clear within four hours

• 5:00 p.m. and 8:59 p.m. – you must clear within fourteen hours

  Example: If the snow stops falling at 7:00 p.m., the owner, lessee, tenant, occupant or other person in charge of any lot or building has until 9:00 a.m. the following morning to clear.

• 9:00 p.m. and 6:59 a.m. – you must clear by 11:00 a.m. the next day