To keep our City running, snow must be removed from streets, sidewalks, and curb cuts after it has finished falling. This is important for all New Yorkers, particularly seniors and individuals who have disabilities.
Sidewalks
Property owners must clear snow from their sidewalks, creating a pathway at least 4 feet wide to accommodate individuals using wheelchairs and other mobility devices. Corner property owners/managers should clear a path to the crosswalk, including any pedestrian ramps.
Snow may be moved against the building, to the curb line, or areas on private property.
The City does not clean or remove snow or ice from sidewalks in front of residential or commercial property. The City does not provide direct assistance to residents in need of snow shoveling assistance.
After owners have had an appropriate amount of time to shovel, you can file a complaint. Learn more about snow clearing rules and how to file a complaint on the Snow or Ice on Sidewalk page.
Roadways
You can file a Snow or Ice on Street or Highway complaint. When a storm operation is underway, these complaints are used to monitor the storm and there is no response to individual plowing or spreading requests. After the storm operation ends, individual complaints will receive a response.
You can go to PlowNYC to see plowing progress in real-time.
Learn about DSNY snow operations.
Pedestrian Features
The City hires emergency snow laborers to help clear snow from pedestrian features once all streets have been cleared.
Pedestrian features include:
- Crosswalks along major commercial streets
- Streets in front of bus stops
- Pedestrian medians
- Overpasses and underpasses
This effort takes time because it requires manual labor. There is no guarantee that every pedestrian feature will be cleared.
Buildings and Construction Sites
New York City property owners and construction site managers are responsible for securing their properties from hazardous conditions, including melting or falling ice and snow.
To report snow or ice on a building or construction site, use the Snow or Ice on Building page.
