Snowstorms are common in New York City during winter months. When should you start clearing sidewalks, streets, or parking lots?
The city has a complicated system of regulations regarding snow removal. In some areas, homeowners are required to clear their sidewalks within 24 hours after a storm. If they don’t, then the city does it for them.
You should clear your sidewalk at least 48 hours before the next storm hits. This way, you’ll be able to get rid of the accumulated snow without having to pay a hefty fine.
What NYC law says?
According to New York City’s “scooping” law, if there has been no precipitation for 24 hours, then any accumulation must be removed from public streets and walkways by 8 a.m.. If there has been no precipitation since midnight, then any accumulation must not exceed one inch in depth and must be removed by 10 a.m.. If precipitation occurs after 10 a.m., then any accumulation must be cleared by noon.
In addition, the city of New York requires that all snow-removal equipment used on sidewalks be equipped with an anti-slip device.
In Los Angeles, California, the Department of Public Works (DPW) is responsible for clearing the city’s streets. The DPW uses a combination of plows, front end loaders, backhoes, dump trucks, and other vehicles to clear streets