Snow Shoveling Rules
Aurora’s 24-hour sidewalk law — deadlines, fines and who is responsible, plus help for neighbors who can’t shovel.
Snow season — the 24-hour clock can start anytime
Aurora’s snow season typically runs October through April. Every snowfall starts a 24-hour clearing deadline on your adjacent sidewalks.
The law in one table
Deadline after snowfall ends
24 hours
Deadline after a declared snow emergency
48 hours
Fine — single-family home
$25
Fine — all other properties
$50
Report an unshoveled sidewalk
Access Aurora · 303-739-7000
Municipal Code §126-312/313, verified Nov 2026. Sidewalks adjacent to your property are your responsibility even behind fences; your own walkway to the front door is not covered. Some HOAs handle it — check yours.
Common questions
When does the 24-hour clock start?+
When the snowfall ends — not when you get home or the next morning. If the city declares a snow emergency, the deadline extends to 48 hours after the emergency is declared over.
What are the actual fines?+
$25 for single-family homes, $50 for everything else — charged after the 24-hour window and again after 48 hours. If it still is not cleared, the city contracts the work and bills the property owner on top.
I rent — is it on me?+
The ordinance puts responsibility on the property owner, but your lease may assign shoveling to you. Check the lease — code enforcement bills the owner regardless.
What if I physically cannot shovel?+
Aurora’s Snow Busters program pairs volunteers with elderly and disabled residents who need help — sign up or request help through the city. Neighbors helping neighbors is the city’s own advice.