Snow-covered sidewalks create hazards for everyone—especially vulnerable road users like older adults, people with disabilities, and children. Per the Municipal Code of Chicago (4-4-310 & 10-8-180), property owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice from their sidewalks to keep our neighborhoods safe and accessible.

Download:

Sidewalk Snow Removal Guidance for Residents and Businesses (color)

Sidewalk Snow Removal Guidance for Residents and Businesses (black and white) 

Report locations with uncleared sidewalks to 311

Report locations that DO NOT clear their sidewalks by making a "Snow - Uncleared Sidewalk or Bike Lane" request with
the City of Chicago 311 Service Request line.

DIAL 311 or Online Snow - Uncleared Sidewalk or Bike Lane Request

When you make a "Snow - Uncleared Sidewalk or Bike Lane" request, please note the following:

• Make sure the problem occurs on the sidewalk.
• Do not use this category to report snow on streets, parking lots, or alleys.
• Provide a specific address where the problem occurs.
• Request a reference number from the operator, this will help you track the status and resolution of your request.
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is sidewalk snow removal important?
Chicagoans depend on sidewalks for daily travel, but snow and ice can make walking difficult and unsafe—especially for children, older adults, and people with disabilities. Clear sidewalks are a shared community responsibility - it's the neighborly thing to do and the law. 

Do the regulations for sidewalk snow removal in Chicago apply to home, business, and property owners?
Yes, sidewalk snow regulations affect all home, business, and property owners in Chicago. Business owners that rent space adjacent to sidewalks are responsible for shoveling snow under the ordinance. Some landlords for residential and commercial property hold tenants responsible for snow clearance as a part of their lease agreements, other don't. Renters who aren't certain of their shoveling responsibilities should check their rental agreements or ask their landlords for clarification.

When do I have to shovel my snow?
You must shovel snow as soon as possible after it falls. Snow that falls between the hours of 7:00 am and 7:00 pm must be removed no later than 10:00 pm. Snow that falls between the hours of 7:00 pm and 7:00 am must be removed by 10:00 am.

Do I have to shovel on weekends?
Yes. You must shovel 7 days a week in the City of Chicago.

In what way should I shovel my sidewalks to be in compliance?
You must clear a path at least 5 feet wide on all of the sidewalks adjacent to your property, including any crosswalk ramps. Do not shovel the snow into the right-of-way, which includes: transit stops and bus pads, parking spaces, bike lanes, bike racks, Divvy stations, and any other space where snow impedes traffic of any kind.

Are there special rules for corner lots?
Yes. If you are responsible for a corner lot, you must remove snow and ice from sidewalks on all sides of your building and from corner sidewalk ramps. This applies to residential property and business owners.

Can I be penalized for failing to shovel?
Yes, you can receive a citation for failure to shovel. The fines range from $50 to $500. The amount of the fine is on a per-case basis, and determined by an Administrative Hearings judge.

How do I report a property owner who fails to shovel their sidewalk?
Report property owners who DO NOT clear their sidewalks by making a "Snow - Uncleared Sidewalk or Bike Lane" request with the City of Chicago 311 Service Request line

Call 311 or submit a service request online.

When you make a "Snow - Uncleared Sidewalk or Bike Lane" request, please note the following:

- Make sure the problem occurs on the sidewalk

- DO NOT use this category to report snow on streets, parking lots, or alleys.

- Provide a specific address where the problem occurs.

- Request a reference number from the operator. This will help you track the status and resolution of your request.