Driveway and sidewalk cleared after snow at a Detroit home

Resource Center · Guide

Detroit sidewalk snow and ice rules: the 24-hour rule

Detroit's snow ordinance in plain English: clear or salt sidewalks within 24 hours (front, sides and rear), don't push snow into the street, and what landlords should plan.

By Best In Business Services team · Last updated October 26, 2026 · Checked against the official sources listed below

Short answer: Detroit City Code Sec. 8-15-103(c) says snow or ice on sidewalks at the front, rear or sides of a property must be removed within 24 hours after it falls or forms, or treated with salt, sand or other approved material to make it safe. Residential snow can't be pushed into the street.

The rules

Rule	Source
Clear or treat sidewalks within 24 hours after snow or ice falls or forms	City Code Sec. 8-15-103(c)
Covers sidewalks at the front, rear and sides of a property owned, occupied or controlled	Sec. 8-15-103(c)
Snow from residential property can't go onto the paved roadway or interfere with public travel	Sec. 8-15-103; DPW
"For all snow events, business owners and residents are required to clear snow from their sidewalks."	DPW Snow and Ice Management

Who's responsible: owner or tenant?

The code applies to property "owned, occupied or controlled," so both can be on the hook. Put snow duty in writing in the lease. For vacant units and out-of-town owners, there's nobody on site to do it, which is when a standing snow-removal order matters. BridgeDetroit reported in December 2025 that the City had issued 71 sidewalk snow tickets since 2019, 62% of them to owners who don't live in Detroit.

A winter plan for landlords and hosts

Line up snow removal before the first storm, with a trigger depth and a 24-hour window in writing.
Include walks to the front door, side and rear walks, steps and porch.
Keep salt or sand on site for ice between visits.
For Airbnbs, clear before check-in, not just after the storm.
Pile snow on your property, not in the street or on the fire hydrant.

More seasonal prep: our Michigan maintenance calendar. We offer snow removal across Metro Detroit, with a free quote.

Sources

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change, so check the official sources above before you rely on them.

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Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to shovel my sidewalk in Detroit?

24 hours after the snow or ice falls or forms, under Detroit City Code Sec. 8-15-103(c). Treating it with salt or sand to make it safe also satisfies the rule.

Can I plow snow into the street in Detroit?

No. Snow from residential property can't be put onto the paved roadway or interfere with public travel, and DPW says property owners and snow removal companies may not push snow from their property onto public roads.

Is the landlord or tenant responsible for snow removal in Detroit?

The ordinance applies to property owned, occupied or controlled, so either can be responsible. Spell it out in the lease, and arrange service for vacant units.