Raleigh Residents Struggle with Lingering Snow on City Sidewalks

Responsibility for clearing sidewalks is split between property owners and the city, leaving some areas treacherous for pedestrians

Feb. 3, 2026 at 9:47pm

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Raleigh residents have been dealing with icy and snowy sidewalks for weeks following back-to-back winter storms, with some even forced to walk in the street to avoid the hazardous conditions. The responsibility for clearing sidewalks is split, with property owners required to clear sidewalks outside of downtown, while the city is responsible for clearing sidewalks within the downtown municipal service district. However, the city's crews have been prioritizing clearing roads, leaving sidewalks as a lower priority.

Why it matters

Icy and snowy sidewalks pose a safety risk for pedestrians, especially those who rely on walking or using community centers when schools are closed. The issue has even impacted city leaders, highlighting the need for a more coordinated and effective approach to sidewalk snow and ice removal.

The details

A city ordinance requires property owners or tenants to keep sidewalks clear outside of downtown Raleigh, but within the 1.23 square mile Downtown Raleigh Municipal Service District, it is the city's responsibility to clear the sidewalks. However, the city's crews have been prioritizing clearing high-traffic roadways, leaving sidewalks as a lower priority. The city also clears sidewalks around its 28 community centers, but is unable to clear more than 100 miles of greenways due to the impracticality of using heavy equipment.

  • For the last two weeks, Raleigh resident Kate Sanborn has been dealing with icy and snowy sidewalks while walking her dog.
  • During Tuesday's Raleigh City Council meeting, council member Mitchell Silver said he had also walked in the street to avoid ice and snow.

The players

Kate Sanborn

A Raleigh resident who has been dealing with icy and snowy sidewalks while walking her dog for the past two weeks.

Mitchell Silver

A Raleigh City Council member who said he had walked in the street to avoid ice and snow during Tuesday's council meeting.

Julia Milstead

A spokesperson for the City of Raleigh who provided information on the city's sidewalk clearing responsibilities and priorities.

Paul Kallam

Raleigh's Transportation Director, who acknowledged during the city council meeting that sidewalk clearing is a lower priority compared to clearing roads.

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What they’re saying

“Quite honestly, I had to walk and run in the middle of the road, which isn't great.”

— Kate Sanborn

“I was somewhat surprised.”

— Mitchell Silver, Raleigh City Council member

“Bare minimum, put some salt down. Have someone out shoveling.”

— Kate Sanborn

What’s next

The Raleigh City Council is likely to discuss the issue of sidewalk snow and ice removal in future meetings, with potential solutions to improve coordination and prioritization of clearing efforts.

The takeaway

The split responsibility for sidewalk snow and ice removal in Raleigh, combined with the city's prioritization of clearing roads, has left some residents frustrated and facing hazardous conditions. This highlights the need for a more comprehensive and equitable approach to ensuring safe pedestrian access throughout the city, especially for vulnerable populations.