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Snow clearance in Buffalo

Snow removal firms and roofers.

33 pros in Buffalo

Snow clearance in Buffalo is shaped by lake-effect snow that can fall unevenly across the metro area. In the November 2014 event, the National Weather Service recorded a maximum of 65 inches in South Cheektowaga, against 6.2 inches at Buffalo airport. The 1991-2020 normals give the city 95.4 inches of snow a year, with December and January the heaviest months. For hiring, the city's rules matter as much as the weather. Under Buffalo's city code, the owner or occupant of a building or lot next to a public sidewalk must clear it within 24 hours after the snow or ice stops falling. Section 413-52 also bars anyone from plowing, shovelling, sweeping or heaping snow into piles or ridges on a street or public place. Before you hire a plow or shovelling crew, ask how they will clear your sidewalk in that window and where they will put the snow, so it stays on your own property and off the street.

Sources: National Weather Service Buffalo (source, opens in a new tab), National Weather Service Buffalo / NCEI (source, opens in a new tab)

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What to know in Buffalo

  • Buffalo's Department of Public Works says its goal is to plow every City street at least one pass within 24 hours after the end of a snow event. Its 2024-25 snow plan says this can be affected by continuing weather and by street parking conditions.

    City of Buffalo (source, opens in a new tab)

Before you hire

  1. Put it in a written contract: the work, price, deposit, start and finish dates, warranty, permits and clean-up. Paying cash to skip it leaves you no recourse.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

  2. Ask about liability insurance and workers’ compensation cover before anyone works on your roof or property.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

  3. Get written quotes from at least three contractors for the same work, and check references from recent clients.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

Questions about hiring in Buffalo

How soon must I clear the sidewalk in front of my Buffalo property?

Buffalo's city code requires the owner or occupant of a building or lot next to a public sidewalk to clear snow or ice within 24 hours after it stops falling, gathering or accumulating. If you hire someone, confirm in writing that the sidewalk is included and how quickly they respond. City of Buffalo (eCode360) (source, opens in a new tab)

Can my plow contractor push snow into the street?

No. Section 413-52 of Buffalo's city code says no person may plow, shovel, sweep or heap snow, ice or other materials into piles or ridges on any street or public place, or cause that to be done. Ask the contractor where snow will be placed on your lot. City of Buffalo (eCode360) (source, opens in a new tab)

What should a snow removal quote or contract include?

Ask for the areas covered (driveway, walkways, sidewalk), what snowfall triggers a visit, whether roof snow removal is included, how snow will be piled, and how billing works. Get it in writing, and ask for proof of insurance before the first storm.

How do I compare snow plowing quotes?

Compare like with like: the same areas, the same trigger depth, and the same response time. Ask whether pricing is per visit or seasonal, and how the crew handles repeat storms. Check references and insurance, and be wary of quotes that leave details vague.

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