Who is in Charge of Clearing Your Sidewalk in the Hudson Valley?

We've have all been there before.

We have all walked on a sidewalk that is older, more dangerous to walk on and could use some extra TLC.

It's possible that some of the sidewalks that we can walk on have also been covered in snow, debris or recently, with large amounts of leaves covering them. At times, we may have to wander off of the covered sidewalk and onto the road to continue walking to our destination and next stop.

It may be at this very time that we question ourselves, who's in charge of clearing sidewalks in the Hudson Valley?

Have You Noticed Sidewalks Similiar To This In The Hudson Valley?

While this question may be highly debatable and some may still question it's answer, it has been proven the same from multiple, different sources.

Sidewalks could be considered to be public property but that would continue to leave the question as it remains of who would be in charge of tending to the sidewalk.

As the leaves fill the grounds in the Hudson Valley, local sidewalks are filled with them as well. While some sidewalk spots are completely clear of any debris or falling leaves, others are left un walkable.

Who's In Charge Of Clearing Off Your Sidewalk In New York?

The Official Website Of The City Of New York shared information about sidewalk care.

"Property owners are responsible for maintaining, repairing, and installing sidewalks next to their property."

 

"As the property owner, you can get a violation for sidewalk defects"

Sidewalk defects would include hardware, cracked, loose, missing undermined and uneven flags and improper slope.

The Department of Transportation also known as DOT has put together these specific standards by inspecting sidewalks where previous injuries took place. 

"Holes as small as 1 inch in diameter or vertical differences between sidewalk squares or flags of as little as 1/2 inch can cause injuries."

SEE MORE: The Lowest Point Of The Appalachian Trail Is In The Hudson Valley

Who Would Be In Charge of Clearing Off Your Sidewalks In The Hudson Valley?

Hudson Valley residents live in New York state where the same regulations would continue to apply.

For example, in the City of Hudson, NY 

"The owner or occupant of any premises adjoining any street where a sidewalk has been laid shall keep the sidewalk on such street in good repair and free and clear of snow, ice, dirt and any other material or substance."

It is continually explained that any obstruction of a public sidewalk would qualify as a 

"nuisance and cannot be tolerated."

Provost Law Firm shared helpful information for the cooler months in the Hudson Valley.

 "New York residents often have a legal duty to remove snow and ice when it could pose a safety hazard, and property owners could face liability in court should they fail to carry out this obligation and someone is hurt. "

 

What Should Hudson Valley Residents Keep In Mind About Their Own Sidewalks?

Provost Law Firm explained that within New York state, most cities and towns make the owners of the property obligated to remove any snow that is on the sidewalk in front of their residence.

There are towns that also have time limits on when the snow has to be removed. This would also include having to put out sand, salt, ash to help break down the snow.

Provost Law Firm also shared that,

"If the owner doesn’t shovel the sidewalk in front of their property and the town is forced to remove the snowfall, towns often impose a fine or charge property owners for the cost of the snow removal."

They explained that in Poughkeepsie, NY the property owners must clear any snow within four hours after the snow fell during the hours of 6am until 6pm. However, if snow falls between the hours of 6pm and 6am, the owners would then have six hours to clear snow.

Provost Law Firm continues to share that 

"If the snow isn’t removed and the town must clear the snow, owners face a penalty of up to $250 and/or up to 15 days in jail, in addition to paying the cost of the snow removal."

Hudson Valley residents can find additional information about keeping their sidewalks cleared of debris, leaves, snow, etc. by visiting their local county website for specific details.

From falling leaves to tree branches and snow, New York state and Hudson Valley residents have a clearer image of how their sidewalks should look moving forward.

What do you think? Should property owners be the ones in charge of their sidewalks in New York state and throughout the Hudson Valley? If not, who else should take care of it? Let us know below.