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Snow clearance in Philadelphia

Snow removal firms and roofers.

48 pros in Philadelphia

Philadelphia sets a clock on snow. Once snowfall stops, you have six hours to clear a sidewalk path at least 36 inches wide, and the snow cannot be shoveled or swept into the street. The January 25, 2026 storm put 9.3 inches on the airport, its biggest snow in 10 years, so many owners and tenants had to act quickly. When you hire for snow clearance here, ask whether the crew will finish sidewalks and curb cuts inside that six-hour window, not only the driveway or lot. Ask where they will put the snow, since the street is not an option. If you run a business, the City's notice says the duty applies even when you are closed, so agree in writing who is responsible for the sidewalk. Also ask how they handle a declared snow emergency, when vehicles and dumpsters on snow emergency routes must be moved.

Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer (source, opens in a new tab)

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What to know in Philadelphia

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 Philadelphia

How fast must a Philadelphia sidewalk be cleared after a storm?

The City requires sidewalk snow to be cleared within six hours after snowfall stops, with a path at least 36 inches wide. Snow must not be shoveled or swept into the street. Ask any contractor to confirm in writing that they can meet that window for your property. City of Philadelphia, Department of Streets (source, opens in a new tab)

Does a business have to clear snow if it is closed?

Yes. The City's January 2026 storm notice says owners and tenants must clear a 36-inch path, including curb cuts, within six hours after snow stops, even when the business is temporarily closed. A fine may be imposed for a violation, so settle who handles it. City of Philadelphia (source, opens in a new tab)

What should a snow clearance quote include?

Ask for the areas covered, such as driveway, walkway, curb cuts or roof, and what snowfall triggers a visit. It should also state how quickly they respond, where snow will be placed, how repeat visits are handled, and who is liable for damage to your property.

How do I compare quotes from different snow removal contractors?

Compare like with like: the same areas, the same trigger for service, and the same response time. Ask whether the price is per visit or seasonal, and whether roof snow removal is included. Ask for proof of insurance, since the work involves vehicles and ladders.

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