Overview

Keeping your sidewalk free of snow and ice is important for the safety and well being of pedestrians, particularly those with physical disabilities. In accordance with state statute, City Ordinance 34-59 requires property owners to:

• Keep sidewalks abutting their property free from snow and ice.
• This includes the crosswalk approach and the curb line within the crosswalk approach to the full width of the pavement.

The ordinance requires that property owners clear their sidewalks within 12 hours of the end of a winter weather event. If a property owner does not clear their sidewalk, state statute authorizes the City to clear the sidewalk and bill the property owner for all related expenses.

Abatement Process

When snow and ice covered sidewalks are reported, the Operations Division will follow these steps to ensure that the sidewalk is cleared:

1. City inspectors will attempt to make personal contact with the property owner and, at a minimum, will place a door hanger informing the owner that they have 24 hours to clear the sidewalk of ice and snow completely.
   • If a structure is not present on the property, City staff will clear the sidewalk of snow and ice immediately at the expense of the property owner.
2. After 24 hours, City staff will re-inspect the sidewalk. If the work has not been performed satisfactorily, the City will perform the work at the expense of the property owner. Before and after photographs are taken of all work completed by City staff.

Contact Us

To report a snow or ice covered sidewalk (property address required):

• Fill out an Online Service Request
• Call the City Services Center at (608) 755-3110.

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