Snow removal laws and requirements in NYC

[snowblind]

Jurisdiction

New York

I moved my family to New York City last spring and we rented a house Brooklyn with a driveway and sidewalk in front of the house. I know there are responsibilities that come with occupying houses to maintain the publicly accessible areas and I do a pretty good job. There is a big snowstorm coming this weekend that will last until Monday. The problem is that I will be at work when it is expected to end, some time around 10am. I'm worried about the snow being on the ground while I am at work and don't know exactly what my liability might be. I'm not just worried about tickets NYC agencies might issue but also about legal liability to people walking on the sidewalk. I've heard often that New Yorkers are very fond of calling lawyers and makes me worry more.

 

[adjusterjack]

The problem is that I will be at work when it is expected to end, some time around 10am.

Then you have until 2 PM to remove the snow from your sidewalk. (4 hours from when the snow stops. You might considering hiring somebody.

Snow Laws - DSNY

I'm not just worried about tickets NYC agencies might issue

Up to $250.

but also about legal liability to people walking on the sidewalk. I've heard often that New Yorkers are very fond of calling lawyers and makes me worry more.

That's why you have, or should have, renter's insurance with injury liability limits sufficient to protect you from that kind of lawsuit. $300k would be good. $500k would be better. If you don't have one, I imagine there are insurance agents open today (Saturday) that can sell you a renter's policy. They are reasonably priced.

 

[Michael Wechsler]

A while ago I wrote a snow and ice removal law in New York City article for our law guide, although @adjusterjack provides current information directly from the NYC Sanitation on the subject, who is the regulator responsible for snow removal. The Department of Sanitation (NYC DoS) has a fleet of snow plow trucks and regulates removal issues on the road and public areas such as sidewalks. The DoS would be the NYC regulator whose inspectors issues summonses for snow and ice related offenses.

Generally speaking, if you're not in derogation of snow and ice removal requirements and there is no presence of negligence, the chance of a lawsuit arising are significantly lower. Renter's insurance should provide coverage for accidents and slip and falls, but you should confirm scope and limits of the policy. Note that if regulations require that you remove snow and you fail to do so, your policy may have language that limits their liability in that instance. No one knows when the snow may stop during a business day and the challenge of a home owner or renter is addressing this matter - although now you have some lead time you can use in case you need it. Good luck.

 

[justblue]

I moved my family to New York City last spring and we rented a house Brooklyn with a driveway and sidewalk in front of the house. I know there are responsibilities that come with occupying houses to maintain the publicly accessible areas and I do a pretty good job. There is a big snowstorm coming this weekend that will last until Monday. The problem is that I will be at work when it is expected to end, some time around 10am. I'm worried about the snow being on the ground while I am at work and don't know exactly what my liability might be. I'm not just worried about tickets NYC agencies might issue but also about legal liability to people walking on the sidewalk. I've heard often that New Yorkers are very fond of calling lawyers and makes me worry more.

Before you leave for work shovel your sidewalk and sprinkle a generous amount of ice melt and sand. That should limit the mess before the snow ends.