SNOW REMOVAL REGULATIONS

I own a building in Sunnyside. When we had the recent snowstorm I waited for the snowfall to end and immediately I cleared the sidewalks. My tenants are complaining that I should be out there under the storm shoveling or else they will report me. Can you please tell me the law regarding snow removal?

                                                          B.J. Woodside

The NYC Sanitation Code requires landlords to remove all snow and ice from sidewalks within 4 hours after a snowfall has ended.  However, if the snowfall stops anytime after 9:00 PM, the landlord must remove the snow by 11:00 AM the next morning.

In case of ice being frozen so hard that it cannot be removed from the sidewalk, then a suitable material like salt, sand or sawdust may be used on the sidewalks. As soon as weather permits thoroughly clean the sidewalks. Failure by the landlord to clean the sidewalks of snow or ice in front of the building after a snowfall will be held responsible and will face fines ranging from $50 to $100.