Snow & Ice — Must Be Cleared Within 4 Hours of Snowfall

Property owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice from the sidewalk adjacent to their property within 4 hours after snowfall ends (or by 11am if snowfall stops overnight). Failure to clear creates a hazard and is subject to fines.

• snow or ice covering sidewalk adjacent to a property or business
• uncleared snow while neighboring sidewalks appear cleared
• icy patches creating a slip hazard for pedestrians
• snow accumulation blocking wheelchair ramps or building entrances

1. Photograph trash, bags, or spill at the curb with building address visible.
2. Note time of day — set-out time violations require proof of early placement.
3. File at 311 under Dirty Conditions or Sanitation.
4. For commercial waste, note business name on signage if visible.

Official channel: portal.311.nyc.gov or dial 311. Agency: NYC DOT / DSNY.

DSNY fines range from $50–$500+ for set-out time, containerization, and dirty-area violations. Repeat commercial offenders may face escalated penalties.

DSNY Sanitation Enforcement inspects and may issue Notices of Violation. Residential issues may be referred to property management; commercial routes get BIC oversight.

• What 311 does after you file