Slipped on Ice in Utah: Snow Removal Duties, Salt Lake City's 24-Hour Rule, and Who May Be Liable
General information, not legal advice. Read the full disclaimer.
Short answer: Salt Lake City Code § 14.20.070 requires that hail, snow or sleet be removed from the sidewalk abutting a property "within twenty-four (24) hours after such hail, snow, or sleet has ceased falling," according to the city's sidewalk maintenance page, and the city directs enforcement questions to its Civil Enforcement office at 801-535-7225. Other Utah cities and counties have their own ordinances. Who is liable if you slip depends on who controls the area: a business or landlord (common areas must be kept safe; § 57-22-4), a homeowner, a city (immunity is waived for dangerous sidewalks, but not for latent conditions, and a one-year notice of claim applies), or a contractor who plowed or salted negligently. A snow-removal ordinance doesn't automatically create a private claim, and your own care counts.
Who this guide is for
Utahns who fell on an icy sidewalk, parking lot, stairway or entrance during winter — and want to know who might be responsible and what to do.
City sidewalk ordinances
Salt Lake City's page cites Code § 14.20.070 for sidewalk snow removal within 24 hours after the precipitation stops, and notes that enforcement is through Civil Enforcement. Other Utah municipalities (Provo, Ogden, St. George, Logan and more) have their own rules. Check your city's code. Whether a violation of an ordinance supports a private injury claim — and how courts treat the natural accumulation of snow and ice — are legal questions for an attorney.
Who may be responsible
| Where you fell | Possible responsible party | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A business's entrance or parking lot | The business or property manager | Duty to customers; see Utah Grocery Store and Restaurant Slip and Fall Claims |
| An apartment's common area or stairs | Landlord or manager | Common areas must be maintained safe (§ 57-22-4(1)(b)(i)). See Injured in a Utah Rental |
| A private home's walkway | Homeowner, depending on your status and the facts | See Utah Slip and Fall and Premises Liability Claims |
| A public sidewalk or city lot | The city or other entity | Immunity is waived for a defective, unsafe or dangerous condition of a sidewalk or public building (§ 63G-7-301(2)(h)), but the entity is immune for latent conditions (§ 63G-7-201(3)); notice of claim within one year |
| A parking lot plowed by a contractor | The contractor, in some cases | Contract terms matter |
| A school or university | The institution | See Utah Public School Injury Claims |
Questions that decide these cases
- Who controlled the area and was responsible for clearing and salting?
- How long had the ice been there and was the hazard known (earlier complaints, an obvious drip)?
- Were warnings posted? Did the owner take reasonable steps, such as salt or sand?
- Was the hazard open and obvious to a reasonable pedestrian? See Utah Open and Obvious Hazards and Child Trespassers.
- Your conduct: footwear, distraction, using an unsafe route.
Comparative fault reduces recovery and bars it at 50%. See Utah's Comparative Fault Rule.
Evidence in winter cases
Ice melts and snow is cleared fast. Photograph the ice and the surrounding area right away, include a reference object for scale, note temperature and weather, and save weather records. Ask for security video in writing. Get the names of employees and witnesses, and request any snow removal logs or contractor invoices later. See Utah Personal Injury Evidence Checklist.
Claims against a government entity
A written notice of claim must be filed with the governmental entity within one year after the claim arises, and a lawsuit may be brought no earlier than 60 days after notice and within two years after the claim arises. See How to File a Notice of Claim Against a Utah Government Entity and Utah Governmental Immunity Act Claims.
Other claims
- Cars on icy roads: see Utah Winter and Canyon Crash Claims.
- Workplace falls: see Utah Workers' Compensation Basics.
- Pedestrians hit by cars in winter: see Utah Pedestrian and Bicycle Accident Claims.
Frequently asked questions
How soon must snow be cleared in Salt Lake City?
According to the city, within 24 hours after it stops falling (Code § 14.20.070).
Can I sue a landlord for an icy staircase?
Landlords must maintain common areas in a safe condition under § 57-22-4(1)(b)(i), and negligence law applies; the facts matter.
Can I sue the city for an icy sidewalk?
Possibly, subject to immunity exceptions and a one-year notice of claim.
What if I slipped on ice that formed after the storm ended?
Timing and the owner's knowledge are central facts.