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Do I HAVE to shovel? Chicago snow shoveling law and etiquette

Set aside any discussion of climate change or COVID for a moment. It’s winter. It’s Chicago. It snows. As a homeowner, you owe it to your friends, family, neighbors and delivery people to keep the sidewalks free of snow and ice.




In truth, it’s not just neighborly to shovel—it’s the law. Municipal Code of Chicago (4-4-310 and 10-8-180), to be exact. So, before you claim dibs on your parking spot, make sure you’re doing your share of snow removal on the side walk.

Here’s the lowdown on snow removal in Chicago:

  • You must shovel as soon as possible after snow falls—seven days a week. There is no “weekend” exception
    • Snow that falls between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm must be cleared by 10:00 pm 
    • Snow that falls between 7:00 pm and 7:00 am must be cleared by 10:00 am
  • You must clear at least a five-foot wide path on all sidewalks adjacent to your property, including any crosswalk ramps
  • Don’t pile your snow into the right-of-way, bus stop, parking spaces, bike lanes or Divvy stations

What if you don’t shovel? 
Failure to abide is punishable by fines, ranging from $50 to $500 per day on a case-by-case basis, as determined by City Administrative Hearings judges. Business fines can go up to $1,000/day.

Here’s why you really should shovel
Law aside, we’re a walking city—clearing the walkway is the nice thing to do. When you shovel, you make a path for kids getting to school, pet owners walking pets, people with disabilities, seniors and those with mobility challenges. And don’t forget about your USPS, UPS, Fed-Ex and Amazon deliverers—be sure to clear the path to your front door and mail box.

On the Other Hand....
The laws of landowner liability for personal injuries favor owners who do not shovel. Property owners are not responsible for injuries on un-shoveled/unsalted snow. Owners who create "un-natural" accumulations of snow or ice that cause an injury may be liable. The law does not expect perfection when you shovel. These laws are directed at someone who creates or worsens unsafe accumulations of snow or ice, whether by downspouts, drains, or yes, n some situations, plowing or shoveling. The bottom line here is to do your best. Make conditions better, not worse. Make the best of it.

What if you (or a neighbor) can’t shovel? 
• Call 311 to request shoveling service
• Request service (select “Ice and snow” from the service type list).
• If not in Chicago, visit the website of your city, village or town 

What if your neighbor doesn’t shovel?
• Call 311
• Submit the location at Uncleared Sidewalk 

There’s nothing like a big snowfall to bring the city together. Some say winters are the only reason they don’t live here. I say it’s one of the best reasons; without Chicago winters, everyone would live here.


Learn more:
City of Chicago Snow Ordinancehttps://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdot/supp_info/sidewalk_snow_removal.htmlnull

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Location: Chicago, IL 60602, USA

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