Who has to shovel the sidewalk, and how fast? Snow rules by city
Updated 2026-11-03. Prices are typical published ranges, not quotes. DrivewayBlankets.com doesn't plow; how it works.
In most snowy U.S. cities, the property owner or occupant is responsible for clearing the public sidewalk next to their property, within a deadline that can range from a few hours to the next day. Many cities also forbid pushing snow into the street. A driveway plow service doesn't always cover the sidewalk, so it's worth knowing your local rule before the first storm.
Sidewalk deadlines in the cities we cover
These summaries come from official city pages and codes (each linked) and are summarized on our city pages. Rules change, so check the linked source before relying on a deadline.
| City | Sidewalk rule (summary) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo, NY | City Code §413-50(A) makes the owner or occupant of property on a public street remove snow and ice from the abutting sidewalk before 9:00 a.m.; if the walk isn't paved its full width, a 3-foot-wide path. §413-50(E) adds that owners or occupants of buildings or lots abutting a public sidewalk must remove accumulations within 24 hours after the snow stops. | City of Buffalo Code §413-50 (eCode360) |
| Minneapolis, MN | Single-family homes and duplexes must clear the public sidewalk within 24 hours after it stops snowing; all other properties within 4 daytime hours (8 a.m.–5 p.m.). | City of Minneapolis, Sidewalk snow clearing rules (Ord. 445.20) |
| Chicago, IL | Snow that falls between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. must be removed by 10 p.m. the same day; overnight snow (7 p.m.–7 a.m.) by 10 a.m. | Municipal Code of Chicago §10-8-180 |
| Boston, MA | Clear sidewalks and curb ramps within 3 hours after it stops snowing, or within 3 hours after sunrise if it snowed overnight, leaving a path at least 42 inches wide. | Boston.gov, Rules on clearing snow (Ord. 16-12.16) |
| Denver, CO | Residences must clear sidewalks (including adjacent ADA ramps and bus stops) by the next day after snow stops; businesses must start immediately. | City and County of Denver, Snow Removal |
| Detroit, MI | Snow or ice on any sidewalk at the front, rear or sides of a property you own, occupy or control must be removed within 24 hours after it falls or forms, or treated with salt, sand, ash or similar so it's safe to walk on. | Detroit City Code Sec. 8-15-103(c) (Municode) |
| Milwaukee, WI | Sidewalks must be clear of snow and ice 24 hours after snow stops falling. | City of Milwaukee DPW, Snow and Ice Control Operations |
| Cleveland, OH | Owners, occupants or whoever has charge of property must clear the whole sidewalk of snow and ice before 9:00 a.m. each day; an unpaved walk needs a cleared path at least 5 feet wide. | Cleveland Codified Ordinances §507.13 and §507.99 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | Within 24 hours after snow or sleet falls, or ice from freezing rain builds up, the tenant, occupant or owner must clear paved sidewalks along the property. | Pittsburgh Code §419.03 (eCode360) |
| Syracuse, NY | Owners, agents or occupants must clear the sidewalk of snow and ice by 6:00 p.m. the day after it falls (Sec. 24-3). | City of Syracuse, Sidewalks in Winter |
| Rochester, NY | By City Code, property owners must remove snow from the sidewalk in front of their property. | City of Rochester, Sidewalk Snow Removal |
| Madison, WI | Shovel sidewalks by noon the day after the snow stops (MGO 10.28): the full width, curb ramps to crosswalks next to your property, and driveways and private walks. | City of Madison, Sidewalks |
| Grand Rapids, MI | Per City Ordinance, residents have 24 hours from the time it stops snowing to clear sidewalks. | City of Grand Rapids, Report a Snow or Ice Covered Sidewalk |
| Salt Lake City, UT | Snow must be removed within 24 hours after a storm ends (City Ordinance 14.120.110). | Salt Lake City, MyStreet Snow Removal |
| Anchorage, AK | Snow removal from driveways is the property owner's responsibility. | Municipality of Anchorage, Street Maintenance |
Detroit's summary comes from search-index copies of official pages; verify on detroitmi.gov. Suburbs and towns set their own rules, which may differ from the big city next door.
Common patterns
- Deadlines are tied to when snow stops. Many cities count from the end of the snowfall, not the start. Some, like Cleveland and Buffalo, use a morning deadline instead.
- A minimum width. Several cities require a path of a set width, often enough for a wheelchair or stroller, plus curb ramps at corners.
- Ice counts. If ice can't be removed, cities like Buffalo require you to put down sand, salt or similar for traction. See driveway and sidewalk ice.
- No snow in the street. Minneapolis, Boston, Milwaukee, Syracuse, Madison, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Anchorage and Denver all say not to push or shovel snow into the street, and some set fines.
- Enforcement. Some cities can clear the walk themselves and bill the owner (Cleveland's code allows this), or issue fines.
Suburbs and towns
Each municipality sets its own rules. A suburb right next to a big city may have a different deadline, or no sidewalk ordinance at all. Search your village, town or city name plus "sidewalk snow removal ordinance," or check the official municipal website. Our town pages list the county and the nearest big-city page.
What this means for your plow service
- Ask if the sidewalk is included. Many driveway plow services quote the driveway only. Walks and the public sidewalk are often an add-on.
- Timing matters. If your city has a short deadline after the snow stops, ask whether your provider can clear the sidewalk in time, or plan to do it yourself.
- Where the snow goes. Make sure your provider piles snow on your property, not in the street.
- Away for the winter? You're still responsible in most cities. A seasonal contract that includes the walk is the usual answer.
Renters
Many city rules name the owner or the occupant. Who actually does it is often set by the lease, so check it, and ask your landlord if it isn't clear.
Parking rules during storms
Many cities also restrict parking during and after storms: snow emergency routes, alternate-side or odd/even parking, and seasonal overnight bans. A car left on the street can be ticketed or towed and can block the plow from reaching the curb. Your city page summarizes these where we found an official source.
Want the walks done too? See an instant price, then mention the sidewalk in your request.
Quick answers
Who is responsible for shoveling the sidewalk in front of a house?
In most snowy U.S. cities, the property owner or occupant, within a deadline set by city ordinance. Check your municipality's code.
Can I shovel snow into the street?
Many cities prohibit it, including Minneapolis, Boston, Milwaukee, Madison, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City and Denver. Pile it on your own property.
Does a snow plow service clear the sidewalk?
Not always. Many quote the driveway only; ask whether walks and the public sidewalk are included.