Chicago winters come fast, and so do sidewalk tickets. In Lincoln Park, leaving snow or ice on your sidewalk can cost you money and create hazards for neighbors, visitors and delivery drivers. You want to do the right thing and avoid fines, but the rules can feel confusing. This quick guide breaks down what you must clear, by when, how enforcement works, and simple steps to stay compliant. Let’s dive in.
Know the city rules
Who must shovel
Chicago law requires “every owner, lessee, tenant, occupant or other person in charge” of a property to clear the adjacent sidewalk, including corner ramps where applicable. You can review the requirement in the municipal code and business licensing rules in Sections 10-8-180 and 4-4-310 of the Chicago code. You are responsible even if you plan to hire help or rely on a building service. See the sidewalk clearing requirement in the municipal code and the business licensing section.
How wide to clear
The City requires you to clear a path at least 5 feet wide on the sidewalk next to your property. That includes any crosswalk ramps and curb cuts so people using strollers, wheelchairs and walkers can pass safely. Review the City’s sidewalk snow guidance.
When to finish shoveling
- If snow falls between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., clear it as soon as you can, but no later than 10 p.m. the same day.
- If snow falls between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., clear it as soon as you can, but no later than 10 a.m. the same day. These times apply seven days a week. City guidance lists these deadlines.
Where not to pile snow
Do not push or pile snow into the street, bike lanes or other public-way features. Keep cleared snow out of transit stops and bus pads, parking spaces and meters, bike lanes and racks, and Divvy stations. The City specifies these no-dump zones.
Corner lots and special cases
Corner properties and ramps
If you are responsible for a corner lot, you must clear all sidewalks on each side of your property plus the corner sidewalk ramps. This helps keep crossings accessible and reduces ice buildup at intersections. Check the municipal code language.
When ice is bonded to pavement
If ice or packed snow is frozen so hard that removing it would damage the pavement, spread sand or a similar abrasive to reduce slips. Then clear it fully when weather allows. See the code’s guidance on hard-frozen conditions.
Sidewalk cafés and permits
If you operate a sidewalk café, you have extra duties. The City advises that street-side café furniture must be removed when any snow accumulates, and building-side cafés must be removed when two inches accumulate. Review the City’s winter notice and BACP resources for details. Read the winter preparedness notice and BACP sidewalk café information.
Homes, condos, landlords and businesses
- Single-family homes: You are responsible for the sidewalk next to your lot. If you remove snow in good faith, state law offers liability protection for most residential owners. See Illinois’ Snow and Ice Removal Act.
- Condos and multi-units: Associations or owners are typically responsible for sidewalk clearing. If your building has a surface lot, do not push parking-lot snow into the public way. Review the municipal code.
- Businesses: Licensees must keep adjacent sidewalks clear and follow permit rules. The City can enforce compliance through licensing. See Title 4 responsibilities.
Fines and enforcement in Chicago
Failing to clear sidewalks can lead to citations. Reported fines range from $50 to $500, and the City can issue citations for each day a violation continues. An Administrative Hearings judge sets the final amount. City guidance outlines fines and obligations.
On-the-ground enforcement varies by storm and location. Local reporting shows citations do occur, but volumes can fluctuate and follow-up often starts with 311 requests and ward office outreach. See WBEZ’s reporting on enforcement patterns.
How to report unshoveled sidewalks
If you see an uncleared sidewalk in Lincoln Park, file a 311 request. Use the “Snow — Uncleared Sidewalk or Bike Lane” category by phone, app or online. Give the exact address and keep your reference number. Start with the City’s 311 guidance on snow issues.
If the issue lingers after a request, contact your alderman’s office with the reference number for help escalating to the ward superintendent. The City notes that 311 is the proper first step for tracking and follow-up.
Liability basics for owners and businesses
Most residential property owners who remove or attempt to remove snow are generally protected from negligence claims under the Illinois Snow and Ice Removal Act, unless their conduct is willful or wanton. This law encourages timely clearing and good-faith efforts. Read the state statute.
Commercial owners and businesses have different risk profiles and licensing duties. Keeping safe access for customers and staff is part of your responsibility under City rules. If you have specific legal questions, speak with an attorney.
Practical tips to stay compliant
- Shovel early and often so snow does not refreeze into ice.
- Keep salt or approved deicer on hand. If ice is bonded to pavement, spread sand or grit until you can remove it fully. See the code’s direction on hard-frozen ice.
- Mark curbs and parkway edges before the first storm to avoid damage during plowing.
- For landlords and associations, set clear responsibility in leases or bylaws and keep photo proof of clearing after storms. City guidance suggests reviewing agreements.
- If you cannot shovel, line up a neighbor, contractor or volunteer help in advance. The City has run volunteer matching efforts through 311 during winters, but availability is not guaranteed during major storms. See a City announcement on volunteer programs.
Staying on top of these rules keeps Lincoln Park walkable and helps you avoid fines. If you are thinking about buying, selling or leasing this winter, get neighborhood-smart guidance and a smooth plan from Jackie Manrique.
FAQs
What are Chicago’s sidewalk deadlines after snowfall?
- If snow falls 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., clear by 10 p.m.; if it falls 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., clear by 10 a.m. the same day.
How wide must I clear in Lincoln Park?
- Clear at least a 5-foot-wide path, including adjacent crosswalk ramps and curb cuts.
Can I throw snow into streets or bike lanes?
- No, the City prohibits moving cleared snow into streets, bus pads, parking spaces, bike lanes or Divvy stations.
Who is responsible for a corner lot?
- You must clear sidewalks on all sides of the property and the corner sidewalk ramps.
What if ice is too hard to remove safely?
- Spread sand or a similar abrasive to reduce slipping, then remove the ice fully when conditions allow.
Do homeowners have liability protection if someone slips?
- Most residential owners who shovel in good faith have protection under Illinois’ Snow and Ice Removal Act unless conduct is willful or wanton.
How do I report an unshoveled sidewalk in Lincoln Park?
- File a 311 request under “Snow — Uncleared Sidewalk or Bike Lane,” include the exact address, and keep your reference number.
