Supplies Needed

Make sure you have what you need before it snows. This might include:

• De-icing materials
• A snow blower
• A shovel

De-icing tips

Use de-icers to melt ice on sidewalks, steps, and driveways. Some good options are:

• Magnesium chloride – Less harmful to plants and animals
• Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) – Safest but more expensive
• Sand – Helps prevent slipping, especially on walkways

How to shovel safely

• Dress warmly
• Push snow if you can, instead of lifting it
• If you need to lift snow, take small amounts and lift with your legs, not your back
• Don’t throw snow into the street
• Never pile snow in a way that blocks roads or sidewalks

How fast will the City plow streets when it snows?

Our crews work hard to remove snow and ice within 36 hours after a storm ends. Click here to see where our snow plows are right now using our live snow plow map.

What do I need to do to clear snow?

If you own, rent, manage, or run a business on a property, you are responsible for clearing snow and ice from the sidewalks around it.

Here’s what you need to do:

• Clear the sidewalk on all sides of your property within 24 hours after the snow stops.
• Make sure the cleared path is at least 42 inches wide—that’s about 2.5 times the width of a regular snow shovel.
• If the sidewalk is narrower than 42 inches, clear the full width.
• Remove ice down to the bare pavement if possible, or treat it with ice melt, sand, or similar material.
• Don’t move snow into the street or onto other sidewalks.
• Clear snow from around fire hydrants, benches, and parked cars too.

Questions about business snow removal? Contact Will Wright at William.Wright@slc.gov.

For more information:

• Visit our Building Services page
• Read the full Sidewalk Snow Removal Ordinance

After it snows, how quickly do I need to shovel the sidewalks around my property? 

Snow must be removed within 24 hours after the end of a snow storm. Read the full Sidewalk Snow Removal Ordinance.

Can my business shovel snow into the ADA accessible parking stalls or access aisles?

No. That prevents access to your business and is a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

Who enforces the City snow removal rules?

Salt Lake City Civil Enforcement makes sure property owners follow the snow removal rules.

• Each property gets one warning per winter season.
• If sidewalks aren’t cleared after that, fines range from $50 to $200 depending on the size of the property and how long the snow or ice has been left.
• To report a sidewalk that hasn’t been cleared, call 801-535-7225.

Where else does the City remove snow?

The City clears snow from sidewalks, trails, and parking lots at parks, public buildings, rec centers, and the City Cemetery. That adds up to:

• 47 miles of sidewalks and trails
• 31 acres of parking lots
• 9 miles of roads in the City Cemetery

The City also clears snow from corners and crosswalks in the Central and Sugar House Business Districts.

What about bus stops? 

UTA works hard to keep buses and trains running during snowstorms, even with a small crew. Here’s how they prioritize snow removal:

• Before a storm hits, they try to get stops ready.
• When the snow starts, their first job is to clear paths for trains and buses to reach garages, rail yards, and other key UTA facilities.
• Next, they focus on busy areas like:
  • TRAX and FrontRunner stations
  • Bus intermodal hubs
  • Bus rapid transit (BRT) stops
  • Park-and-ride lots
• These areas may need to be cleared multiple times during a storm.
• After these spots are cleared, they focus on bus stops that are important for people with disabilities.
• Each year, they create a list of priority bus stops based on customer requests.

To report a stop that needs attention, call UTA Customer Service at 801-743-3882.

Want to help? Join their Adopt a Stop Program. Volunteers agree to shovel snow at their chosen stop. To sign up, email community@rideuta.com.

What about snow removal in the business districts? 

Salt Lake City only clears crossings and corners in the downtown Central Business District and Sugar House Business District. It is the property owner’s responsibility to clear sidewalks. Read the full Sidewalk Snow Removal Ordinance.

Why is it my responsibility to shovel the sidewalk? 

Salt Lake City doesn’t have enough staff or funding to clear all public sidewalks after a snowstorm. Our crews focus on clearing emergency routes and public streets first.

How can I get help shoveling my sidewalk?

Older adults and people with disabilities may need help clearing snow from the sidewalks next to their homes.

Salt Lake County Aging and Adult Services offers a program that can help with snow removal and other needs.

• Visit their website here
• Or call 385-468-3200

Salt Lake City encourages everyone to look out for their neighbors. If you can, offer to help someone nearby who may not be able to shovel on their own.

How can I stay informed about when and how to prepare for snow?

Follow the City on Facebook or X (formerly Twitter) for updates for preparing for snowstorms and what to do after.

I live outside of Salt Lake City. Where can I find information about snow removal where I live?

Read about the Salt Lake County’s snow removal program, and how UDOT clears snow on state roads.

Safe driving in snow

• Drive slowly and leave plenty of space between cars
• Plan your trips before a storm hits
• Fewer cars on the road means plows can clear faster
• Stay at least 200 feet behind snow plows
• Never try to pass or cut off a plow truck
• If you can’t see the plow’s mirrors, the driver can’t see you

Parking during snowstorms

• Try not to park on the street during and up to 36 hours after a storm
• You must move your parked car every 48 hours (City Ordinance 12.56.520)
• If you park on the street, avoid parking across from another car
• Always park as close to the curb as you can

Other safety tips

• Watch out for snow coming off plows when walking or biking
• Keep kids away from streets while plows are working
• Help neighbors if you can—especially seniors or people with disabilities who may struggle to shovel snow
• Remember: Property owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks next to their homes

Want to bike during winter? Visit the Salt Lake City Transportation Division’s webpage for winter biking tips.