A Building Owner’s Guide to New York City Snow Removal

NYC Snow Removal Requirements — Building owners in New York City are responsible for snow removal. The deadline depends on what time the snow stops falling.

New York City winters can be unpredictable, but even a modest snowfall can create headaches for building owners who aren’t prepared to clear sidewalks promptly. The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has strict rules for snow removal from public walkways.

How Landlords Can Prepare for Snow

Now is the time to check the condition of your snow shovel and to stock up on ice melt, as well as sand or kitty litter for traction.

It’s also a good time to line up help, if needed. Heavy snowfall may require an extra set of hands. Sometimes superintendents and building owners travel during the winter. Consider hiring a snow removal service.

Snow Removal Responsibilities in NYC

The New York City Administrative Code states that “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.” For smaller residential buildings in the five boroughs, the responsibility generally falls to the property owners and commercial tenants in mixed-use buildings.

NYC Snow Removal Deadlines

The timetable for cleaning snow depends upon when the snow stops falling.

If the snow stops between:

7:00 a.m. and 4:59 p.m. — Clear within 4 hours.
5:00 p.m. and 8:59 p.m. — Clear within 14 hours.
9:00 p.m. and 6:59 a.m. — Clear by 11:00 a.m.

Failure to remove the snow by the deadline can result in building fines ranging from $100 to $250 per incident.

Tips for Removing Snow and Ice

DO remove snow from sidewalks in front of, beside and, if applicable, behind the building.
DO clear snow, ice and debris away from fire hydrants in front of or beside your property.
DO create a path at least four feet wide, where possible.
DO clear a path to the crosswalk if you own a corner property. Also, if the snow has melted and created puddles, move the water away from the crosswalk to help those in wheelchairs, people pushing strollers, etc.
DO remove snow and ice surrounding unsheltered bus stops on or beside your property.
DO NOT shovel snow into the street or crosswalks. (If Sanitation personnel see this infraction, it can result in a Notice of Violation and $100 fine.)
DO use a de-icing product to help melt packed snow and ice that cannot be cleaned with a shovel.
DO clear away any puddles that result from snow melt. Otherwise, it can refreeze and create a safety hazard.

Snow Removal Considerations for NYC Brownstones and Townhouses

For NYC brownstone and townhouse owners, snow and ice on stoops, exterior steps and garden-level entrances can create slip-and-fall hazards—and potentially costly liability claims—even when the public sidewalk has been cleared.

Pay particular attention to recessed areas, where melting snow can collect and refreeze. Keeping entrances, steps and landings clear helps protect tenants, visitors and delivery workers from injury. In addition to regular winter maintenance, brownstone and townhouse insurance with appropriate liability coverage can help protect property owners against covered injury claims.

For more information about removing snow and ice, visit the website for the City of New York. If you have questions concerning your landlord insurance, call our office at 877-576-5200.