Facts from public sources, not quotes. Where these numbers come from
Straight answers about cost, contracts, local snow rules and salting, with a link to the source behind every number.
Get a free quote How it worksTreat these as estimates. ProMatcher's Pittsburgh figures put a driveway and sidewalk plow visit at about $37.06 on average ($32.94 to $41.18; the underlying report is from 2018). HomeGuide's national averages put driveway plowing at $30 to $70 a visit, a seasonal contract at $200 to $600 and sidewalk shoveling at $25 to $75 an hour. Your real price depends on the size of the area, steps and slopes, and whether salting is included. A local crew quotes it for free.
24 hours. Pittsburgh Code §419.03 says the sidewalk must be cleared within 24 hours after snow or sleet falls, or after freezing rain leaves ice. It applies to every tenant, occupant or owner who has care of land fronting a paved sidewalk.
The city's general penalty, §101.09, is up to $300 plus costs per offense, and each day counts as a separate offense. Private residents can also file a complaint with a City Magistrate.
Mt. Lebanon's code (§15-206) gives most property owners 24 hours after 1 inch or more of snow, but businesses must clear their sidewalks within 4 hours, Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fines run $5 to $300 per offense, and each day counts separately. A walk crew on contract keeps a storefront inside that window.
No. The City of Pittsburgh says snow should not be shoveled or moved into the roadway. Monroeville goes further: after a written notice, depositing snow on a public road costs $500 per occurrence for anyone performing winter maintenance, contractors included. McCandless says depositing snow on roads violates its Ordinance No. 1283.
When the Mayor declares a snow emergency, parking is banned on marked snow-emergency routes starting 1 hour after the declaration. Cars left there are towed to the City pound, with a fine of up to $25 plus costs, towing and storage.
Freeze and thaw. NOAA's engineering weather data counts about 97 freeze-thaw cycles a year at Pittsburgh International Airport. Melt runs downhill on Pittsburgh's slopes and refreezes overnight, so steps and steep aprons need treating again in the evening.
Monroeville: sidewalks, driveways and parking lots within 24 hours, the full paved width of public sidewalks, plus 3 feet around hydrants. Cranberry Township: 48 hours after the snowfall or ice ends, the full width, and no snow into roads. McCandless: a reasonable amount of time, preferably within 24 hours.
Less often than in the snow belt: the airport averages 44.1 inches a season (NOAA). Heavy snow at the roof edge can still melt and refreeze into ice dams. HomeGuide's national averages put roof snow at $200 to $500 a visit and ice dam removal at $200 to $2,400. Use a roof rake from the ground, and hire a pro for anything that needs a ladder.
Before the first snow. Our count of 29 seasons of NOAA daily records at the airport puts the median first measurable snow on November 15, and the National Weather Service records an inch of snow as early as October 18 (1972).
Yes. Requests from this site go to a local snow and landscape contractor that quotes condo and townhome associations, apartment communities and commercial lots, from small offices to malls, hospitals and office parks. Commercial and HOA work is priced per site after a walk-through.
It is usually priced per application or built into a seasonal contract. HomeGuide's national averages put commercial salting at about $150 to $350 per acre. With about 97 freeze-thaw cycles a year, ask how often steps, walks and slopes are re-treated.
Many do. Industry group SIMA reports that more than half of snow and ice businesses are also lawn and landscape providers. The Census Bureau counted 1,033 landscaping businesses in the Pittsburgh metro in 2023, so the same crew that plows in January may mow, clean up and plant the rest of the year.
Fill out the free quote form with your name, phone, ZIP code and what needs clearing. A local crew contacts you with questions and a price. There is no cost and no obligation to ask.
Pittsburgh Code §419.03 names tenants and occupants as well as owners. Whoever has care of the land fronting the sidewalk has 24 hours.
The City of Pittsburgh says snow should not be shoveled or moved into the roadway. Pile it on the lawn or near the curb, and in heavy snows, give up a parking space for the pile.
Pittsburgh's 24-hour clock also starts when freezing rain leaves ice on the sidewalk (§419.03). Keep ice melt on hand even in light-snow weeks.
Ross Township says its public works crews won't return to clear the ridge their plows leave at driveways. Plan to clear it, or ask your contractor to come back for it.
Sources: ProMatcher, HomeGuide, NOAA NCEI, NOAA NCEI GHCN-Daily, National Weather Service Pittsburgh, NOAA NCEI, City of Pittsburgh DPW, City of Pittsburgh Code, City of Pittsburgh Code, City of Pittsburgh, Mt. Lebanon Code §15-206 (sidewalk snow), Monroeville Property Maintenance Code (snow and ice), Cranberry Township Property Maintenance Code §302.3.9.1, Town of McCandless, Ross Township, U.S. Census Bureau, Turf Magazine. Full source list.
Tell us what needs clearing, your ZIP code and anything that helps: driveway length, sidewalks, steps, a parking lot, an HOA drive or a business entrance. Your request goes to a local snow and ice crew serving Pittsburgh, Mt. Lebanon, Ross Township and Monroeville, and they contact you directly with questions and a price.
No cost and no obligation to ask. Seasonal contracts fill up before the first snow, so fall is the best time to ask.
Before you sign, ask for proof of insurance, what snow depth triggers a visit, whether sidewalks and salting are included, and how storm-day calls are billed.
