What New Yorkers Can Do About Non-Shoveled Sidewalks

Winter is in full swing in New York, and with another round of snow set to fall, many residents will once again be faced with the question: what can I do if my neighbors don't take responsibility for their snow?

Sidewalks are meant for, well, walking. Snow and ice isn't only a nuisance to navigate, it's dangerous as well, and property owners throughout New York are responsible for the accumulation on any sidewalk that runs along their home or business. But what can you do if they ignore their duty? The answer depends on where you live.

What To Do About Snowy Sidewalks in New York

There are several resources available for frustrated New Yorkers, but a timeline of the snowfall must be first taken into account. While property owners are responsible for clearing their sidewalks, they are afforded certain windows of time before they are required to shovel, and no one is responsible for removal while the snow is still falling.

Rules for Clearing Snow of Sidewalks in New York

In New York City, property owners are given four hours to begin clearing snow and ice if the snowfall stops between 7AM and 4:59PM. If the storm ends between 5PM and 8:59PM, there is a 14-hour window for cleaning, and all snow and ice must be cleared by 11AM after overnight storms. It's a little different in the Hudson Valley.

Read More: What Happens When a Plow Destroys Your Mailbox in New York?

How New Paltz, NY Regulates Sidewalk Snow Removal

New Paltz, NY in Ulster County gives property owners a full 24 hours after a snow or ice storm ends to clear their abutted sidewalks. The village also provides resources for residents to report sidewalks that haven't been properly cleared by contacting the Building Department:

The Building Inspector of the Village of New Paltz is authorized to enforce [snow removal] by sending a statement to the owner or occupant...  together with a notice to appear in the Town Court of the Town of New Paltz

Fines in New Paltz, NY for Uncleared Sidewalks

The court will then determine if the resident has indeed ignored village ordinances and will have the authority to levy a fine. The same is true for most towns in the Hudson Valley.

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Rules for Snow on Sidewalks in Newburgh, NY and Beacon, NY

The Town of Newburgh, NY in Orange County has the authority to fine residents a minimum of $100 for ignoring their responsibilities to keep their sidewalks clear, and Beacon, NY in Dutchess County imposes a non-specified "general penalty" between $0 and $1,000 for similar infractions. Like New Paltz, contacting the town government is the best way to report unsafe sidewalks.