When to remove snow in Philadelphia

[Yuriy Skripnichenko]

Since we already had 2 snowfalls in Philadelphia this season, I recently encountered a conversation with a neighboring landlord about snow removal and how it is suppose to be done. 

According to City of Philadelphia Ordinance passed the City Council on December 9, 2010 and signed by the Mayor on January 5, 2011:

§10-720. Snow Removal from Sidewalks.

(1) The owner, agent and tenants of any building or premises shall clear a path of not less than [30]36 inches in width on all sidewalks abutting the building or premises within 6 hours after the snow has ceased to fall. The path shall be thoroughly cleared of snow and ice. Where the width of any pavement measured from the property line to the curb is less than 3 feet, the path cleared may be only 12 inches in width. When the building in question is a multifamily dwelling the owner or his agent shall be responsible for compliance with the requirements of this Section.

You can also look up rules and tips for snow on Philadelphia streets website at http://www.philadelphiastreets.com/highways/snow

According to this website,

(2) Snow or ice removed from sidewalks, driveways, or other areas shall not be placed or piled in the street.

(3) Any person who violates this Section shall be subject to the provisions and penalties set forth in 10-718 and 10-719.

The penalty for violating this provision can range from "a minimum fine of fifty dollars ($50) to no more than three hundred dollars ($300) for each violation."

Private plows piling snow in the street after city teams have cleared the road is illegal as well as a hazard to drivers and pedestrians.

You can also find this info on PHA HCV Landlords facebook page.