Last week's sidewalk snow removal guidelines for homeowners prompted the question of legal liability. It's courteous to pedestrians to keep sidewalks clear, but is it required by law? Can a homeowner be held responsible for injuries arising from a snow- or ice-related fall? The answers are no, and probably not. 

It is not required by Illinois law for homeowners to shovel their sidewalks, and the law even grants a special civil immunity to homeowners from sidewalk slip-and-fall lawsuits. (Businesses, on the other hand, are not immune from liability.)

As tempting as it may be to stay indoors sipping hot chocolate during this "polar vortex," many of us have to venture out into the cold to go to work, school, or to run errands. Homeowners have one extra reason to brave the cold: shoveling. 

Not only will pedestrians appreciate it, but you'll avoid the risk of being fined if your local municipality requires you to clear your sidewalk. Here in Chicago, many people rely on walking and public transit as a means of transportation, meaning snow and ice can become a big problem when it obstructs pathways.

In the City of Chicago, homeowners have different time frames to clear sidewalks depending on the time of snowfall and the day of the week: