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Snow or Ice on Sidewalk

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Property owners must clear snow or ice from their sidewalks to keep them safe and accessible for everyone. 

The City does not:

  • Clear snow or ice from sidewalks in front of residential or commercial property
  • Clear snow or ice blocking access to sidewalks, vehicles, or driveways, even if it was caused by plowing

Snow Clearing Rules

If you own a building or lot, you must clear your sidewalk thoroughly after it snows.

If you don't follow these rules, you may receive a ticket from the Department of Sanitation (DSNY):

  • 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.

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

File a Complaint

DSNY isn’t taking complaints right now. Either it hasn’t snowed, or property owners still have time to clear their sidewalks.

You can report snow inside a bus stop shelter.

What You Can’t Report

If there is snow at a bus stop without a shelter, it’s the property owner’s responsibility to clear the sidewalk. You can report it as a snowy or icy sidewalk in front of a residential or commercial building instead.

Call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) for help.

What Happens Next

The Department of Transportation (DOT) will send your complaint to a contractor for snow and ice removal. If no shelter exists at the reported location, no further action will be taken.

Property owners are responsible for clearing snow from hydrants in front of their property. You can report snow blocking a fire hydrant to the Fire Department.

Call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) for help.

The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) hires emergency snow laborers to help clear snow from pedestrian overpasses and underpasses once all streets have been cleared. This effort takes time because it requires manual labor.

You may file Service Requests beginning 72 hours after streets have been cleared. There is no guarantee that every overpass or underpass will be cleared.

The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) hires emergency snow laborers to help clear snow from medians once all streets have been cleared. This effort takes time because it requires manual labor.

You may file Service Requests beginning 72 hours after streets have been cleared. There is no guarantee that every median will be cleared.

Public Schools

Private or Charter Schools

To report snow or ice on the sidewalk in front of a private or charter school, contact the school directly.

You can report snow or ice on sidewalks in front of police precincts. 

Online

Email the New York City Police Department.

By Phone

Call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) for help.

What Happens Next

Officers from your local police precinct will respond when they are not handling emergency situations.

You can report snow or ice on sidewalks in front of a subway station.

Online

Contact the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

By Phone

  • Agency: Metropolitan Transportation Authority
  • Division: Metropolitan Transportation Authority Customer Service
  • Phone Number: 511
  • Business Hours: Daily: 6 AM - 10 PM
  • Staff is available through the automated phone system during business hours. Call volume is often high. If you don't get through, call back later.

You can report snow or ice on sidewalks in front of a post office.

Online

Contact the United States Post Office (USPS).

By Phone

  • Agency: United States Postal Service
  • Division: United States Postal Service Hotline
  • Phone Number: (800) 275-8777
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 8:30 PM; Saturday: 8 AM - 6 PM
  • Staff is available through the automated phone system during business hours. Automated assistance is also available in Spanish. Additional languages are available through a staff person.

You can report snow or ice on a sidewalk in front of a courthouse.

If there is an emergency or a condition that needs immediate attention, you can speak to the chief clerk or the court officer of that court.

If the situation is not an emergency, you can file a complaint on the NY Courts website.

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