Once weather permits, business owners should be mindful of the following information:
While the NYC Department of Sanitation clears streets and bike lanes, business owners are responsible for clearing the sidewalks in front of your business.
You may NOT push snow into the street, including bike lanes. This impedes snow clearing operations and is illegal.
Snow may be moved against the building, to the curb line, or areas on private property.
Sidewalks should be passable for all pedestrians, including a minimum 4-foot clear path, where possible.
If the snow stops falling between:
- 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., property owners must clear sidewalks within 4 hours
- 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., property owners must clear sidewalks within 14 hours
- 9 p.m. and 7 a.m., property owners must clear sidewalks by 11 a.m.
If the snow or ice becomes frozen so hard that it cannot be removed, the sidewalk can be strewn with ashes, sand, sawdust, or similar suitable material within the same time limits.
If there are high winds, please take in all loose standing objects that may become dislodged and harm pedestrians.
All ground level commercial/business owners should clear snow/ice from their awnings as soon as the weather permits to prevent structural collapse. If you have a retractable awning or shade, please close these devices.