Some things to keep in mind when snow is in the forecast:
- Property owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice from the public sidewalk within 24 hours of accumulation. The entire width of the sidewalk must be cleared down to the concrete. The property owner is liable for accidents due to failure to clear sidewalks.
- The City has the authority to remove snow/ice from sidewalks not cleared within the 24-hour period and to charge the cost to the property owner without prior notification.
- Persons are prohibited from placing snow/ice onto the property of another or onto public property. Persons are also prohibited from moving snow/ice across a street to deposit it onto the other side. Be sure to notify your snow removal contractor of this.
Tips to make winter a little easier:
- Do not blow or shovel snow into the street. This is a violation of Ordinance 97. Instead, angle your snowblower chute so snow is deposited in your yard.
- When snow is forecast and temperatures are expected to drop below 10 degrees, treat your driveway and sidewalk with ice melt before the precipitation begins to fall. This will help keep the snow and ice from freezing to the pavement, and it will be easier to remove.
- Avoid parking on the street when snowfall is expected so snowplows can more effectively clear the entire width of the street.
- Consider clearing snow away from storm drains (to help prevent flooding when temperatures rise above freezing) and fire hydrants (if you or your neighbors suffer a house fire, it is critical that the fire department can easily locate and access fire hydrants).
- Sand/salt in barrels placed around town is for use on icy patches that may form on streets.
Related ordinances: