Let It Snow

In New Jersey, property owners are legally required to remove snow and ice from sidewalks, driveways, and other walkways on their property within 24 hours of a snowfall. Depending on the municipality, failure to do so could result in fines or even criminal charges. Additionally, property owners must keep walkways in a safe condition by adequately salting or sanding them. Finally, New Jersey property owners are not permitted to push or blow snow onto public streets.

In Pareja v. Princeton International Properties (2021), the Supreme Court of New Jersey held that, under the ongoing snow rule, which is premised on the idea that it is inexpedient and impractical to remove or reduce hazards from snow and ice while the precipitation is ongoing, a commercial landlord has no duty to remove snow and ice from public sidewalks until a reasonable amount of time after the cessation of precipitation. This assumes, of course, that the landlord’s conduct did not increase the risk of the snow or ice hazards, or that the hazard was a preexisting condition.