Connecticut § 7-163a - Municipal liability for ice and snow on public sidewalks.
Full text of Connecticut Connecticut General Statutes § 7-163a — Municipal liability for ice and snow on public sidewalks., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 7-163a. Municipal liability for ice and snow on public sidewalks.
Sec. 7-163a. Municipal liability for ice and snow on public sidewalks. (a) Any town, city, borough, consolidated town and city or consolidated town and borough may, by ordinance, adopt the provisions of this section.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 13a-149 or any other general statute or special act, such town, city, borough, consolidated town and city or consolidated town and borough shall not be liable to any person injured in person or property caused by the presence of ice or snow on a public sidewalk unless such municipality is the owner or person in possession and control of land abutting such sidewalk, other than land used as a highway or street, provided such municipality shall be liable for its affirmative acts with respect to such sidewalk.
(c) (1) The owner or person in possession and control of land abutting a public sidewalk shall have the same duty of care with respect to the presence of ice or snow on such sidewalk toward the portion of the sidewalk abutting his property as the municipality had prior to the effective date of any ordinance adopted pursuant to the provisions of this section and shall be liable to persons injured in person or property where a breach of said duty is the proximate cause of said injury. (2) No action to recover damages for injury to the person or to property caused by the presence of ice or snow on a public sidewalk against a person who owns or is in possession and control of land abutting a public sidewalk shall be brought but within two years from the date when the injury is first sustained.
(P.A. 81-340.)
When state owns land abutting public sidewalk, ordinance adopted pursuant to section does not relieve municipality of liability for damages caused by ice or snow on sidewalk. 288 C. 1.
Adoption of ordinance by city under statute relieves city of liability for injuries on sidewalk abutting state property, even though part of the state property is leased to private businesses. 99 CA 492.
Cited. 44 CS 389.
Source: official Connecticut text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Connecticut § 7-163a
What does Connecticut General Statutes § 7-163a cover?
Section 7-163a ("Municipal liability for ice and snow on public sidewalks.") is part of the Connecticut General Statutes, the codified statutory law of Connecticut. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Connecticut § 7-163a?
A common citation format is "Connecticut General Statutes § 7-163a" (Connecticut). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Connecticut law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Connecticut official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Connecticut attorney.
How does Connecticut § 7-163a apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Connecticut can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Connecticut.