Here's a friendly reminder from Rochester public works. I'm sure it makes more sense to send this now, at 4 p.m. in the midst of the storm, rather than on a warm sunny day or after the fact. Still, it seems like a low blow as I go out for a second round of shoveling.
Photos are of a noncompliant sidewalk and a compliant sidewalk...
PRESS RELEASE
REMINDER OF PROPERTY OWNERS RESPONSIBILITY FOR SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL FROM SIDEWALKS AND PATHS
The snow is here, don’t forget to clear! Winter can be a difficult time for pedestrians using sidewalks and paths to safely access transit, schools, work, and maintain an active lifestyle. Snow and ice covered sidewalks and paths are hazardous to all pedestrians, especially the elderly, disabled, and those with medical conditions that impact their mobility. The Rochester Public Works Department wants to remind all property owners to keep sidewalks and paths accessible this winter by removing snow and ice from them. We can all do our part this winter to contribute to a safe and mobile pedestrian environment in Rochester.
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Rochester City Ordinance 72.02 requires property owners with a public sidewalk or path abutting their property to fully remove snow and ice within 24-hours after a snowfall. The full sidewalk width must be free of snow and ice and pathways must have a clear path that is at least 5 feet wide.
The best way for a property owner to avoid a citation and associated service costs is to remove snow and ice from their sidewalk and path within 24 hours after a snowfall. If the Public Works Department receives a complaint that snow and ice have not been removed from a sidewalk or path, the complaint will be investigated. If a violation exists upon inspection, the property owner will receive a $40 Administrative Fine citation and a bill for the cost to remove snow and ice.
For more information about the ordinance and enforcement program visit:
http://www.rochestermn.gov/departments/public-works/programs-and-services/sidewalks-and-paths
Remember that when snow is here, you have 24-hours to clear.
