Madison's Sidewalk Snow Rules: What Homeowners Need to Know

The short version: clear your sidewalk by noon the day after the snow stops, and don't put salt down when it's below 15 degrees.

Here is what the city's own pages say as of November 2026. The rules and fines can change from one winter to the next, so check the City of Madison sidewalk page for the latest.

The deadline

Sidewalks next to your property have to be cleared by noon the day after the snow stops. After a very large storm the city sometimes announces a later deadline, so don't count on that unless you see it from the city.

The fines

The city's fines page lists $134 for a first offense and $197 for each one after that, costs included.

If it still isn't cleared

The day after a citation, the city checks again. If the walk still isn't clear, city crews remove the snow and ice at your expense, and that cost goes on your property tax bill as a special assessment. That charge comes on top of the fine.

When salt is allowed

The city says to use salt only when it's above 15°F. Below that, salt doesn't do much, so use sand for grip. The city also offers free sand at several locations in the winter.

Either way, shovel first and use as little salt as you can. Salt that washes off the walk ends up in the Madison lakes, and too much of it can get you fined as well.

Other towns have their own rules

Middleton, Verona, Fitchburg, Sun Prairie and Waunakee each set their own deadline and fines, and they aren't the same as Madison's. Check your town's website or call the clerk rather than assuming the Madison rule applies.

Going out of town, or just done shoveling?

The noon deadline doesn't move because you're at work or away. If you'd rather not worry about it, we clear driveways and walks around Madison and Dane County all winter. See our snow removal service or get a free quote.