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Snow clearance in New York

Snow removal firms and roofers.

74 pros in New York

New York City sets a clock on snow. Under the Department of Sanitation rules, if snow stops falling between 7:00 AM and 4:59 PM, the sidewalk must be cleared within 4 hours, and a path at least four feet wide must be cleared in front of the building. Overnight snowfall has its own deadline of 11:00 AM. The city also has a record to remember: Central Park received 27.5 inches in the January 22-24, 2016 blizzard, the largest snowstorm since records began in 1869. For you, this means timing matters as much as the work itself. Before you hire a plowing or shoveling crew, ask how fast they can reach your building once snow stops, and whether they will clear around fire hydrants, sidewalk ramps and curb-cuts. Ask them to confirm in writing that snow will not be pushed into the street, since the city says not to do that. Get the scope, the response time and who is responsible for missed visits set out in the quote.

Source: National Weather Service New York (OKX) (source, opens in a new tab)

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What to know in New York

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 New York

How quickly must I clear my sidewalk in New York City?

It depends on when the snow stops. If it ends between 7:00 AM and 4:59 PM, you have 4 hours. If it ends between 5:00 PM and 8:59 PM, you have 14 hours. If it ends between 9:00 PM and 6:59 AM, the deadline is 11:00 AM. Ask any crew whether they can meet that window. NYC Department of Sanitation (source, opens in a new tab)

Where can the snow go once it is cleared?

The Department of Sanitation says not to shovel, blow or push snow into the street. Building owners and occupants are also responsible for snow and ice around fire hydrants and at sidewalk ramps and curb-cuts. Ask a contractor how they will handle piles and whether those spots are included. NYC Department of Sanitation (source, opens in a new tab)

What should a snow removal quote include?

Ask for the areas covered, such as driveway, walkway, steps or roof, and what triggers a visit. Get the response time after snow stops, how ice is treated, and who is liable for damage or missed visits. Ask for proof of insurance, and get it all in writing.

How do I compare snow removal quotes?

Compare like with like: the same areas, the same trigger for a visit, the same response time and the same terms for repeat storms. A seasonal contract and a per-visit arrangement are set up differently, so ask each business to spell out what happens in a heavy storm.

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