Winter in Philadelphia routinely turns sidewalks into hazards. Each year, pedestrians are injured after slipping on snow- and ice-covered walkways they reasonably expect to be safe. When that happens, liability often turns on a simple question: who was responsible for clearing the sidewalk, and did they do so in time?
If you were injured on someone else’s property due to winter conditions, understanding the duties imposed by Philadelphia law is essential to evaluating whether you have a viable claim.
Many property owners assume they have 24 hours to shovel after a snowstorm. That may be true in surrounding suburbs, but it is not the rule in Philadelphia. The City imposes a far stricter standard.
Philadelphia Code § 10-720 governs snow and ice removal and sets out clear obligations for property owners, landlords, and tenants.
The Six-Hour Rule
In Philadelphia, property owners have six hours after snowfall stops to clear snow and ice from the abutting sidewalk.
For example, if snow stops at 2:00 PM, the sidewalk must be cleared by 8:00 PM. Where snowfall ends overnight, the City generally expects compliance shortly after daybreak.
Failing to meet this deadline can expose a property owner to both fines and civil liability.
Required Width of the Cleared Path
Clearing “some” snow is not enough. The code specifies how much snow must be cleared:
- A continuous path at least 36 inches (three feet) wide must be shoveled.
- If the sidewalk is less than three feet wide, a minimum 12-inch path is required.
- Property owners must also clear curb cuts and ramps, including those at sidewalk corners abutting their property.
Who is Legally Responsible?
Philadelphia includes a wide range of property ownership structures, from commercial buildings to single-family residences and multi-unit complexes. Determining legal responsibility for injuries caused by negligent snow and ice removal depends on the type of property involved.
For commercial properties, the duty to remove snow and ice generally rests with the property owner. For single-family residences, responsibility is often dictated by the terms of the lease and may fall on either the landlord or the tenant. The lease should be reviewed carefully to confirm who is responsible. For multi-family dwellings, including apartment buildings and condominiums with multiple units, the owner or property manager is typically responsible for clearing abutting sidewalks and common areas.
I Fell, What should I Do?
If you fell on snow and or ice, it is important to do you best to take photos as soon as possible to keep a record of what the condition looked like. Look for home or building security cameras to try and obtain video and get down the address where the injury occurred. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
If you or a loved one was injured due to snowy or icy conditions on someone else’s property, contact Dion, Solomon & Shapiro LLC to evaluate your potential claim and determine whether the property owner may be legally responsible.