Here’s how to avoid being fined when snow falls in NYC

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — While long-range forecasts have called for below-average snow in the metro area this winter, it’s still advised to be prepared, which entails knowing the city’s rules for managing the white stuff.

New York City has mandates around how quickly sidewalks must be cleared after the first flake falls and how wide the walking paths must be — and failure to comply can result in fines.

The countdown begins as soon as the snow stops coming down.

Failure to remove snow from your car can also result in a fine.

Here’s a guide for homeowners, property managers, businesses, residents and drivers.

Who is responsible for cleaning snow and ice from the sidewalk?

According to the city Administrative Code, property owners or those in charge of a lot or building — such as tenants, superintendents, or building managers — must maintain sidewalks adjacent to their home and business in a “reasonably safe condition.”

That mandate includes clearing snow, ice, dirt or other material from both the sidewalk in front of the property and the side if it’s a corner lot.

How quickly do residents and businesses have to shovel after a storm?

Residents and businesses must shovel after a storm based on the following schedule:

• Snow stops falling between 7 a.m. and 4:49 p.m.: Clear within four hours.
• Snow stops falling between 5 and 8:59 p.m.: Clear within 14 hours.
• Snow stops falling between 9 p.m. and 6:59 a.m.: Clear by 11 a.m.

What is the best way to clean snow from the sidewalk?

• Remove snow along the sidewalk adjacent to your property.
• Avoid pushing snow from the sidewalk into the street.
• Clear snow around a fire hydrant if there’s one in front of your property.
• Do not cover crosswalks with snow.
• Move snow to your front yard, behind the stoop line, or to a grassy curb strip.
• When possible, clear a path at least four feet wide along the sidewalk.
• For corner properties, clear a path to the crosswalk, including any pedestrian ramps.
• Disperse melted snow puddles away from the…