What Connecticut Law Says About Clearing Your Sidewalks

While we’ve been relatively unscathed by Mother Nature so far this winter, there is still plenty of time for big snowfall to come and cause a little chaos in the city.  Snow can be beautiful and a lot of fun to play in, but it can also cause headaches which can include a New Haven slip and fall accident.  If you are a homeowner there are some responsibilities that you have to make sure that your neighbors are safe when walking along the sidewalk of your home.

Connecticut state law leaves it up to cities and towns as to whether or not to have an ordinance requiring snow and ice removal from a sidewalk.  Many municipalities have taken it upon themselves to enact two different types of ordinances, one which requires that home owners are responsible for clearing their sidewalks of snow and ice after a storm and another ordinance that removes liability from the city/town for an accident that may occur on the sidewalk as a result of the lack of care taken when removing snow and ice.

New Haven has an ordinance that requires the home owner to clear snow and ice from the sidewalk in front of their house within 24 hours of the storm’s completion.  It also requires that the pathway cleared is at least 42 inches wide so that a wheelchair can pass.  If this is not done the homeowner may be subject to a $250 fine.

No matter what your city ordinance is it is best practices to keep your sidewalk clear after a storm.  While it does add some stress to your shoveling, it will also add peace of mind when your neighbors are walking along your stretch of sidewalk and it is clean and free of slip and fall hazzards.

If you or a loved one were injured as a result of a neighbor not clearing his/her sidewalk after a storm, contact our office immediately and one of our experienced attorneys will review your case.