Woke up to a fresh Greenwich snowfall and a buried sidewalk? Winter storms move fast here, and so do the rules that keep streets and walkways safe. If you own property in Greenwich, you have clear responsibilities and important timelines to meet. This guide gives you the essentials on sidewalk clearing, snow emergencies, parking bans, and fines so you can avoid penalties and keep your block safe. Let’s dive in.
Sidewalk rules you must know
Property owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks that touch their property. The Town’s Department of Public Works confirms that you must keep those walkways safe for pedestrians and use sand or salt where needed. You can review the Town’s guidance on the DPW Snow Removal page for details on operations and homeowner duties. Town DPW Snow Removal guidance.
What to clear after a storm
- Clear the full sidewalk width along your frontage.
- Treat icy areas with sand or salt to reduce slipping.
- Clear around fire hydrants near your property. Police and DPW encourage a three‑foot clearance so hydrants stay visible and accessible. Fire hydrant reminder from the Town.
Timing: the 18‑hour window
Local reporting cites a Town requirement to clear sidewalks within 18 hours after accumulation. Failing to do so can lead to enforcement. See the reporting on the timeframe and penalties here: Greenwich Time coverage of sidewalk rules.
Fines and town removal
Local reports indicate a $25 fine for noncompliance, and the Town may bill you for the cost if it has to clear your sidewalk. For background on enforcement practice and typical fines, review: Greenwich Time reporting on fines.
Liability basics
Connecticut law allows towns to shift sidewalk snow and ice responsibility to abutting property owners. Where adopted, liability for slip‑and‑fall injuries on public sidewalks generally shifts to the adjacent owner. Review the statute here: Connecticut General Statutes § 7‑163a.
Snow emergencies and parking bans
During significant storms, Greenwich may declare a snow emergency. When that happens, parking is prohibited on posted snow‑emergency streets so plows and emergency vehicles can get through. Vehicles left on those routes are subject to ticketing and towing. For the latest notices and the current list of snow‑emergency streets, check Town alerts: Town snow emergency notice and street list.
Where to park instead
- Move cars to your driveway or garage before the storm intensifies.
- Use municipal lots where allowed during declared emergencies.
- Avoid leaving vehicles on posted snow‑emergency routes to prevent towing.
Plowing priorities on your street
Town crews plow in priority order. Main roads and steep hills come first, then collector roads, then local residential and dead‑end streets. Crews often make multiple passes, which means driveway aprons can fill in again as plows push back the banks. Plan on a second shovel round once the plow comes through. Learn more about plow priorities and operations here: DPW Snow Removal overview.
Private plowing and what not to do
Greenwich prohibits anyone from pushing or throwing snow from private property into Town streets. If a contractor must push snow across a road, they are expected to re‑plow and remove any windrow left behind. Do not shovel snow back onto sidewalks after plows pass. See the Town’s direction for private plowing here: DPW guidance on private plows.
Quick post‑storm checklist
- Clear your sidewalk and treat ice within the required window.
- Shovel a path to and around nearby hydrants.
- Move vehicles off snow‑emergency streets when a declaration is issued.
- Keep snow off public roads and sidewalks when plowing or shoveling.
- Recheck your driveway apron after plows make additional passes.
Mailbox incidents
DPW states the Town only repairs or reimburses mailboxes that are actually struck by a Town plow, not those damaged by snow impact. The DPW page includes reporting steps and timing. Review the policy before winter sets in: Mailbox policy on DPW Snow Removal.
Where to get updates and help
For official updates during storms, use the Town’s alerts page for snow emergencies and parking bans. For operational details, including plowing priority, mailbox incidents, and private plow rules, use the DPW Snow Removal page.
- Snow emergencies, parking bans, and street list: Town CivicAlerts
- Operations, homeowner duties, mailbox policy: DPW Snow Removal
Buying or selling this winter
If you are preparing a home for market or moving in during snow season, build these steps into your timeline. Clear, safe access supports showings, protects guests and service providers, and avoids fines or delays. If you need a practical plan for winter readiness around your sale or purchase, we are here to help.
Ready for tailored local guidance? Connect with Charles Paternina for senior‑level advice on buying or selling in Greenwich this winter.
FAQs
How long do I have to clear my sidewalk in Greenwich?
- Local reporting cites a Town requirement to clear sidewalks within 18 hours after snowfall ends; see the coverage on timelines and enforcement: Greenwich Time.
What are the fines for not shoveling a sidewalk in Greenwich?
- Reports indicate a $25 fine for noncompliance, and the Town may bill the cost if it clears the walk; see local reporting for details: Greenwich Time.
Where can I find Greenwich’s snow‑emergency streets?
- The Town publishes the current list within snow emergency notices here: Town CivicAlerts snow emergency notice.
Can my contractor push snow into the street in Greenwich?
- No. DPW prohibits pushing or throwing snow from private property into Town streets, and any windrow created when crossing must be re‑plowed: DPW guidance.
Who is liable if someone slips on the sidewalk in front of my home?
- Under Connecticut law, towns can shift responsibility and liability for public sidewalks to abutting owners; see the statute: C.G.S. § 7‑163a.
What if a Town plow damages my mailbox?
- DPW only repairs or reimburses mailboxes actually struck by a Town plow and outlines reporting steps on the DPW page: Mailbox policy.
