July 23, 2025

Municipal Snow Removal Responsibilities in NY State Explained

As winter descends upon New York State, municipalities face the daunting task of managing snow and ice to ensure public safety. The responsibility for snow removal is a complex issue that not only involves local governments but also property owners. Understanding these responsibilities is crucial for residents to safeguard themselves against potential hazards, legal liabilities, and injuries during winter months.

Municipal Responsibilities

In New York, municipal snow removal responsibilities are primarily dictated by local laws and regulations. Generally, cities and towns have a duty to clear roads and public sidewalks of snow and ice after winter storms. This includes ensuring that streets are safe for vehicle travel and that sidewalks are passable for pedestrians.

Streets vs. Sidewalks

Municipalities typically prioritize the clearing of main roads and emergency routes first, followed by secondary streets. Sidewalks, however, often fall into a gray area of responsibility. While many municipalities take on the task of clearing sidewalks adjacent to public buildings or along main thoroughfares, residential areas may not receive the same level of attention.

Local Ordinances

Many towns in New York State have specific ordinances that dictate how long after a snowfall property owners must remove snow from their sidewalks. These ordinances can vary significantly from one municipality to another; therefore, residents must familiarize themselves with local laws.

Liability Issues

A critical aspect of municipal snow removal is liability. If a municipality fails to adequately clear streets or sidewalks leading to an injury—such as an icy sidewalk injury in Tarrytown—the injured party may have grounds for a claim against the municipality under certain conditions. However, municipalities often enjoy sovereign immunity, which means they cannot be sued unless a specific exception applies.

Property Owner Responsibilities

In addition to municipal responsibilities, property owners also hold significant liability when it comes to snow and ice management on their premises. In New York State, property owners are required by law to maintain their walkways free from hazardous conditions caused by winter weather negligence.

Maintaining Safe Pathways

If a homeowner fails to clear their driveway or sidewalk of snow and ice—resulting in someone slipping on an untreated walkway—they could be liable for any injuries sustained due to their negligence. This includes claims related to icy driveway injury incidents where visitors or delivery personnel suffer slips or falls on their property.

Premises Liability

Under premises liability law, property owners can be held accountable for injuries occurring on their property due to unsafe conditions. For example, if black ice forms on a sidewalk and results in a pedestrian accident, the homeowner might face legal repercussions if they did not take reasonable steps to mitigate this hazard.

Winter Weather Negligence Cases

Winter weather negligence cases often arise when individuals suffer injuries due to inadequate snow removal practices by either municipalities or private property owners. These cases can lead to complex litigation Sullivan Brill Personal Injury Attorneys Car accident lawyer involving questions about the standard of care expected in snowy conditions.

Emergency Care Considerations

Injuries sustained from slip-and-fall incidents during winter months can lead victims into local emergency rooms such as Phelps Hospital for treatment. Understanding who is liable for these injuries can help victims navigate their next steps more effectively and pursue potential claims.

Practical Steps for Residents

Here are several practical steps residents can take regarding municipal snow removal responsibilities:

  • Know Your Local Laws: Familiarize yourself with your municipality's ordinances regarding snow removal timelines.

  • Clear Your Property: Make it a priority to keep your driveways and sidewalks clear of snow and ice promptly after any snowfall.

  • Report Unsafe Conditions: If you notice untreated public walkways or roads that pose hazards, report them to your local government.

  • Seek Legal Advice: If you experience an injury due to negligence related to snow removal—whether it's municipal or private—consult with a slip-and-fall lawyer in Westchester who specializes in these types of cases.

  • Document Everything: If you do suffer an injury due to icy conditions, document everything—from photos of the scene at the time of your accident to medical reports following your visit at emergency care facilities like Phelps Hospital.

  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    1. Who is responsible for removing snow from public sidewalks?

    Municipalities usually bear the responsibility for removing snow from public sidewalks; however, specific laws governing this responsibility may differ depending on local ordinances.

    2. What should I do if I slip and fall on an untreated sidewalk?

    If you slip on an untreated sidewalk, document the incident with photographs and detailed notes about what happened before seeking medical attention if necessary. Consider consulting with a personal injury attorney experienced in slip-and-fall cases.

    3. Can I sue my municipality if I am injured due to poor snow removal?

    Yes, it may be possible under certain circumstances; however, municipalities often enjoy sovereign immunity protections unless there has been gross negligence involved in maintaining safe pathways.

    4. What constitutes negligence on the part of a property owner during winter?

    Negligence occurs when a property owner fails to take reasonable actions—such as clearing ice or providing proper warnings—that lead directly to someone else’s injury on their premises.

    5. How does premises liability apply during winter months?

    Premises liability holds property owners accountable for accidents resulting from unsafe conditions on their properties—including those created by neglecting necessary winter maintenance like shoveling driveways or treating walkways with salt or sand.

    Understanding both municipal obligations and individual responsibilities regarding snow removal will empower New Yorkers during the challenging winter months ahead while helping maintain community safety standards across neighborhoods.

    Joseph F. Sullivan is a highly respected personal injury attorney and co-founding partner of Sullivan Brill Personal Injury Attorneys. A native of Jamaica, Queens, Joseph was raised in a working-class family that instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep sense of justice. He became the second in his family to attend college and the first to earn a graduate degree, receiving his law degree cum laude from Temple University School of Law, where he served as a writer and editor for the Temple Law Review. Joseph began his legal career defending insurance companies and corporations. This experience gave him an insider’s understanding of how the opposition evaluates and handles personal injury claims. He tried more than 25 cases to verdict and negotiated hundreds of settlements, including a high-profile win against a prominent civil trial attorney that earned recognition as “Verdict of the Week” in a New York legal publication. In 2001, Joseph redirected his legal career to focus...