The Department of Streets, residents, and businesses keep streets and sidewalks clear and safe during snow events.
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Salting and plowing operations
Removal status
To view the status of salting and plowing operations during a winter weather event, visit StreetSmartPHL and click on PlowPHL.
Removal requests
Contact Philly311 for salting and plowing requests.
Snow emergency routes
Philadelphia’s snow emergency routes must be clear when there’s a winter storm, so that snow plows can pass through.
Visit the snow emergency routes page to learn:
- Rules related to snow emergency routes.
- What to do if your vehicle has been towed from a snow emergency route.
- Which Philadelphia streets are snow emergency routes.
Sidewalk snow removal
Snow removal rules
- Remove snow from sidewalk within six hours after snowfall stops.
- Clear a path at least 36 inches wide on your sidewalk.
- Do not shovel or sweep the snow into the street.
Snow removal tips
- Be sure to include curb cuts when you shovel.
- Clear snow from neighborhood sewer drains to allow melting snow to drain.
- Keep fire hydrants clear. Shovel three to five feet around your block’s hydrant so firefighters can gain access safely during an emergency response.
Penalty for uncleared sidewalk
- Minimum of $50, but up to $300 for each violation
View more details in the Philadelphia Code 10-720.
Weather alerts
Get Philadelphia weather updates
- Stay tuned to the local news for updates.
- Sign up for ReadyPhiladelphia alerts.