London Snow Removal Bylaws: What You Can't Do With Your Snow

Snow & Winter · Published September 5, 2026

Clearing snow in London isn't just about a clean driveway — there are city rules that carry real fines if you get them wrong. Here's what every London property owner should know before winter. This is general guidance, not legal advice; always confirm the current bylaws with the City of London.

You Can't Push Snow onto the Road

Under the City of London Streets By-law, it is illegal to shovel, blow or plow snow from your private property onto a public road or sidewalk. Beyond the fine, a pile of snow on the road is a genuine hazard for drivers and refreezes into ice. This applies to you and to any contractor you hire — a reputable one already knows it.

Sidewalk Clearing Responsibilities

The City deploys its own sidewalk plows once accumulation passes roughly 8 cm, aiming to clear within about 48 hours after a storm ends. But properties next to certain downtown and main pedestrian business zones are legally required to clear their own frontage, often by 10:00 a.m. If your business is in one of those zones, that clearing is on you. We cover this in detail for businesses in our sidewalk clearing rules for businesses guide.

Winter Parking Bans

Avoid parking on the street during snowfall. Overnight winter parking rules shift through the season, and the city triggers temporary bans during major storms so plows can clear efficiently. A car in the way can be ticketed or towed — and it leaves a gap the plow can't clear.

Where Your Snow Is Allowed to Go

Snow from your property has to stay on your property. That means planning where it gets stacked — away from the foundation, out of sight lines at the end of the driveway, and not blocking a neighbour. On tight lots this gets hard by mid-winter, which is when hauling becomes worth considering for commercial sites.

Why This Matters When Hiring

A contractor who cuts corners on these rules creates liability that lands on you. When you hire, make sure they clear to your property, never the road, and understand local sidewalk obligations. See how we handle it on our snow removal page.