Your new best friend. 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:
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:
- If the snowfall stopped before 4:00 PM, the sidewalk must be cleared within three hours.
- If the snowfall stopped after 4:00 PM, the sidewalk must be cleared before 10:00 AM the next morning.
- On Sundays, sidewalk clearing is not required, but the sidewalk must be cleared by 10:00 AM on Monday.
To report an obstructed residential or commercial sidewalk that has not been cleared within 6 hours of snowfall, dial 311 or fill out an online Uncleared Sidewalk Report. Homeowners who do not comply with the Chicago sidewalk snow removal ordinance may be fined $50. (For businesses, the fine ranges between $250 and $500 per day.)
Visit the City of Chicago Sidewalk Snow Removal page for more information. For other cities, make sure to check local ordinances regarding sidewalk snow removal responsibilities for homeowners.
NEXT WEEK: A follow-up article on your possible liability as an Illinois homeowner in the event of a snow- or ice-related slip and fall on your property.
Posted by DMM at the Law Offices of Hugo A. Ortiz.
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