How long do you have to shovel your sidewalk?
Updated November 2026
How many hours you have to clear your sidewalk after it snows, from 3 hours in Boston to 48 in Des Moines, plus path widths, fines and what the city bills you.
When it snows, most cities in the Northeast and Midwest put the job of clearing the public sidewalk on whoever owns or lives in the property next to it. The rules that matter are when the clock starts, how many hours you get, how wide a path you need, and what happens if you miss it.
Deadlines range from 3 hours to 2 days
| City | Deadline | Fine or charge |
|---|---|---|
| Boston, MA | 3 hours after snow ends, or 3 hours after sunrise | $50 a day for most homes |
| New York City, NY | 4 hours for daytime snow, by 11 a.m. for overnight | $100 to $250 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 6 hours | $50 to $300 per violation |
| Chicago, IL | By 10 p.m. for daytime snow, 10 a.m. for overnight | Set by ordinance |
| Minneapolis, MN | 24 hours for houses and duplexes | City clearing billed to you |
| Milwaukee, WI | 24 hours | $50, plus $75 and costs if the city clears it |
| Des Moines, IA | 48 hours | Administrative penalty |
| Sioux Falls, SD | 48 hours | $100, $200, then $300 |
See every city we track.
When the clock starts
Most cities start counting when the snow stops falling. Some use daylight or business hours instead, so overnight snow does not run the clock while you sleep. Others set a fixed time: Lincoln, Nebraska wants sidewalks clear by 9 a.m. the next day, and Madison, Wisconsin by noon.
How much you have to clear
- Width. Some cities want the full width, others a minimum path, such as 36 inches in Philadelphia and Duluth, 42 inches in Boston, or 4 feet in Worcester.
- Ice too. Many rules cover ice, sleet and freezing rain. Salt or sand what you cannot scrape.
- Curb ramps. Boston and Cedar Rapids name curb ramps outright.
- Not into the street. Shoveling or plowing snow into the street is banned in many cities.
If you cannot do it yourself
If you travel in winter or cannot shovel, arrange a neighbor or a snow removal service before the season starts. Some cities run volunteer programs for older residents and people with disabilities, such as Pittsburgh's Snow Angels, and Madison allows extensions for seniors and people with disabilities.
A note on liability
Whether you can be sued if someone slips on your sidewalk depends on your state and city. Some cities shift that risk to the property owner. Ask your homeowners insurer if you are unsure.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to shovel the public sidewalk in front of my house?
In most northern US cities, yes. Local ordinances make the owner or occupant of the property next to the sidewalk clear it, even though the sidewalk is public.
How long do I have after it stops snowing?
It depends on the city. Boston allows 3 hours, New York 4 hours for daytime snow, Philadelphia 6 hours, many Midwest cities 24 hours, and Des Moines, Edina, Naperville and Sioux Falls 48 hours.
What happens if I do not shovel?
Most cities fine you, often $40 to $250, and some repeat the fine each day. Many also send a crew and bill you for it, and unpaid bills can end up on your property taxes.
Can I push the snow into the street?
Usually not. Many cities ban putting snow in the street, alley or crosswalk and fine it separately. Fargo, for example, can fine up to $500.
Get help with your sale
Tell us about the property. We pass your request to independent local pros who handle this work, or to a buyer who purchases homes as-is. Free, no obligation.