Chicago Snow Rules for Homeowners, Sellers and Landlords: Shoveling Deadlines, Fines and Who's Liable

It's mid-November, and the first real Chicagoland snow could show up any week. After 25 years in real estate, I've noticed most people know they're "supposed to" shovel, but few know the actual rules: when, how wide, what skipping it costs, and whether shoveling makes you liable if someone slips. Here's the plain-English version.

Chicago's shoveling deadline

The City of Chicago puts the job on whoever is in charge of the property. Under Municipal Code 10-8-180, every "owner, lessee, tenant, occupant or other person in charge" of a building or lot next to a public sidewalk has to:

• Clear a path at least 5 feet wide on the sidewalk, including the curb ramps that connect to it
• Clear snow that falls between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. by 10 p.m. that same day
• Clear snow that falls overnight, between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., by 10 a.m.
• If the snow is frozen too hard to remove without damaging the pavement, spread sand or another anti-slip product in the meantime, then clean it up when the weather allows

The city's sidewalk snow removal page adds what people miss: it applies 7 days a week, corner lots clear every side plus the corner ramps, and you can't push snow into the street, bike lanes, bus stops or parking spaces.

What it costs if you don't

The fine is $50 to $500 for each offense, and every day it continues counts as a separate offense. (10-8-180(b)) The city says the amount is decided case by case by an Administrative Hearings judge, and neighbors can report an unshoveled sidewalk through 311.

Don't count on the city doing it for you, either. A proposed pilot that would have had city crews clear sidewalks in two zones was voted down by a City Council committee in October 2025. (Block Club Chicago, WTTW)

"If I shovel and someone slips, can they sue me?"

This is the myth I hear most. Illinois actually wants you to shovel. The Snow and Ice Removal Act (745 ILCS 75) says the owner, lessor, occupant or other person in charge of residential property, or someone they hire, who removes or tries to remove snow or ice from the sidewalk next to the property isn't liable for injuries blamed on the snowy or icy condition of that sidewalk, unless the conduct was "willful or wanton."

Chicago has its own version in Municipal Code 10-8-190, which protects people who clear snow from the public sidewalk or street, with exceptions, including willful or wanton misconduct.

So the law is on the side of the person holding the shovel. It covers the public sidewalk next to a residence, though, not every surface. Your own steps, porch, driveway or a private parking lot can be a different story, so ask your insurance agent or attorney about your situation.

The suburbs set their own rules

Outside the city, each town writes its own ordinance. Evanston, for example, asks homeowners and landlords to clear a path at least 36 inches wide within 24 hours after the snow stops. (City of Evanston) Anywhere else, search your village code for "snow" before the first storm.

If you're selling this winter

• Buyers judge the walk before the house. A clear, salted path from the curb to the front door is the first thing they see at a showing.
• Vacant listing? Line up a snow service now. The house won't shovel itself, and the ordinance still applies to an owner who lives somewhere else.
• Clear the steps and the back walk too. Buyers and inspectors will use them.

If you own a rental or a condo

The city notes that some leases make tenants responsible for shoveling and others don't, so read your lease. Because the ordinance names owners as well as tenants, I'd still want a backup plan as the owner.

If your building has more than one unit, or it's a townhouse development, and there's a surface parking lot, there's an extra rule: you can't plow or shovel the lot's snow onto the public way. If you can't store it on site without blocking the public way, the code says you have to hire private snow removal. (10-8-180(a)(4)) In a condo, check your declaration and rules to see who handles the common sidewalks.

Moving or buying this winter? Watch the parking ban

From December 1 to April 1, Chicago bans parking from 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. on 107 miles of main streets, snow or no snow. The city lists a minimum $150 tow, a $60 ticket and $25 a day in storage. A separate ban on about 500 more miles of main streets can kick in once there are 2 inches of snow on the street. (City of Chicago) If your new place or your moving truck will be on one of those streets, check the posted signs and the city's parking-ban map before moving day.

Buying or selling anywhere in Chicagoland this winter? Call or text me at 312.882.9797. I'm full service at a 1% commission, and I'll make sure your home shows well, snow and all.

This article is general information about Chicago and Illinois snow rules, not legal advice. Ask your Illinois attorney or insurance agent about your specific property.