Stay Ahead of Winter: Snow Removal Services for Chicago Businesses & Property Managers
Why Snow & Ice Removal Is a Big Deal in Chicago
When winter hits, Chicago doesn’t hold back and neither do its regulations. Commercial property owners, landlords, and property managers are responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks, parking lots, entrances, and accessible pathways. Failure to comply with local codes can lead to fines, lawsuits, and unhappy tenants or customers.
According to the City of Chicago Municipal Code (Section 10-8-180):
You must clear snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to your property within 12 hours after a snowfall ends.
You must clear a path at least 5 feet wide on all of the sidewalks adjacent to your property, including any crosswalk ramps.
This includes corner ramps, crosswalk areas, and public walkways.
Ignoring this rule can lead to fines ranging from $50 to $500 per day.
The Headaches of Winter Property Management
If you’ve ever had to manage a commercial property in a Chicago winter, you already know the challenges:
Liability Risks: Slippery sidewalks and parking lots are a major hazard. Just one injury can lead to a costly legal claim.
Unpredictable Weather: Lake effect snow, freezing rain, and back-to-back storms make it hard to plan ahead.
Staffing & Equipment: Most internal teams aren’t equipped for fast, large-scale snow removal, especially during early morning hours or overnight storms.
Tenant Expectations: Retail and office tenants expect clear, safe walkways by the time doors open. Delays impact their business, and your reputation.
How to Stay Compliant and Prepared
Managing winter conditions doesn’t have to be a scramble. Here are a few ways you can get ahead of the snow:
Pre-Season Planning: Line up a snow removal partner before the first flake falls. Last-minute contracts are unreliable and expensive.
Site Mapping: Have your snow removal company evaluate your property in advance. Know where to push snow, where salt should be applied, and what areas require priority access.
Clear Contracts: Ensure your service agreement outlines response times, scope of work (sidewalks, lots, stairs), and materials used (salt, eco-friendly deicers, etc.).
Emergency Plans: Have 24/7 contact info and backup plans in place for major storms or ice emergencies.
Documentation: Keep a record of service logs and response times to protect yourself in case of insurance claims or city complaints.
Why R&R Chicago Design-Build Is the Right Choice
At R&R Chicago Design-Build, we bring the same professionalism to snow removal as we do to every construction and site management project.
Full Coverage: We handle everything—sidewalks, lots, ADA ramps, and entrances.
Rapid Response: Our crews monitor weather in real time and are on call 24/7 to respond before snow becomes a hazard.
Licensed & Insured: We’re fully compliant with city and state regulations, and our team is trained in both safety and efficiency.
Custom Snow Plans: Every property is different. We tailor a removal strategy based on your layout, traffic flow, and tenant needs.
Integrated Site Management: Already working with us on a renovation or maintenance contract? We can bundle winter services into a broader facilities management plan.
Let’s Talk Before the Next Snowstorm Hits
Don’t wait for the first blizzard to scramble for solutions. If you manage a commercial property, retail center, or mixed-use site in Chicago, let’s talk about your snow and ice plan today.
Contact R&R Chicago Design-Build at (708) 789-9693 or email Alexander@randrchicago.com to schedule a walkthrough and get a custom quote.
