BROOKLYN, N.Y. (VINnews) — New York City Councilmember Simcha Felder said he is drafting legislation that would prevent the city from issuing snow-related fines to homeowners until municipal properties are cleared following major storms.

The proposal comes after a blizzard dropped nearly two feet of snow on the city, with freezing temperatures and strong winds lingering into the evening hours.

On Monday at 4:51 p.m., the city’s Sanitation Department posted on X that an “end of storm” had been declared at 4:30 p.m., triggering a four-hour deadline for property owners to shovel sidewalks. The notice instructed residents to clear a four-foot-wide path for wheelchairs and strollers and to shovel around curb ramps, fire hydrants and bus stops adjacent to their properties.

Felder argued that many city-owned streets, crosswalks and public buildings remained snow-covered hours after the announcement.

“That’s not fairness. That’s hypocrisy,” Felder said in a statement. “You cannot tell a homeowner, or a senior citizen, they have two hours before nightfall to move mountains of snow — or risk fines up to $250 — while the city’s own properties remain buried.”

Under Felder’s proposal, the city would be barred from issuing snow-related summonses until all city-owned properties are cleared and deemed safe.

“We all want safe sidewalks,” Felder said. “But if the city has additional manpower available, they should be helping clear snow, not writing tickets.”

Residents in several neighborhoods reported hazardous conditions near public buildings and pedestrian crossings after the storm, though city officials have said sanitation crews were working extended shifts to address major roadways and emergency routes first.

Felder said he directed staff to begin drafting the bill following January’s storm and plans to introduce it in the coming weeks.