Is Spreading Salt Illegal In This New York City?

As New York's winter season drags on, we've seen some pretty extreme cold and snow this year. Not only has the region been hit with at least two polar vortices, but we've also seen hurricane-force winds, hail, and lots of snow. So much snow that many regions around the Empire State have run out of salt to keep the streets clear of snow and ice.

Those salt shortages have its roots in several different reasons, but its primarily due to increased demand due to the nationwide weather trends, along with worldwide supply chain issues that have its roots in the recent inflation we've seen.

Given these factors, people all over Western New York are scrambling to get their hands on as much salt as they can to keep their properties clear of ice and snow.

READ MORE: Western New York Town Is Running Out of Road Salt

If you find yourself in the city of Buffalo and you're using salt to clear the sidewalks near your property, be careful because you may be breaking the law.

According to the City of Buffalo Charter, it is against city code to use salt and some other snow removal substances on city sidewalks and other paved parts city streets.

No person shall use salt, lime or any deleterious substance to remove snow or ice from the sidewalks or paved portion of any street or public place...
-City of Buffalo Code, Article 7, Chapter 413, Section 52-C

The penalties for breaking this law are classified by the city code as a Class D and Class F fine(s), with penalties that can range from $75 to $450.

This seems to be an odd law for a city that is routinely among the snowiest cities in America. Especially in a time when government officials all over Western New York are scrambling to buy more salt as supplies run low. But, there are stranger things that have happened in Buffalo.

Hopefully, the city's code enforcement officers or members of the Buffalo Police Department aren't having a slow day and decide to fine you for clearing the ice from your property.