I heard of a proposed law that would fine homeowners for not keeping sidewalks clear of snow in the winter.?

Question

I live on a street with a lot of elderly people ( limited incomes) that pay to have their sidewalks cleared in the winter. We all make an effort to keep our sidewalks clear only to have most people walk in the street just about asking cars to hit them . They don't move, making no effort to get out the way. Maybe they should be fined also? What do you think?

Answer 1

I know that here in Minnesota, many cities have laws that require this. It's fairly common, though I do agree it is unfair to people who are physically unable to shovel themselves. What I've heard of people doing here is having everyone on one block pitch in to buy a snowblower, and then the physically-able will just snowblow the whole block. Snowblowing is much, much quicker and easier than shoveling, so most people don't mind.

Answer 2

The homeowner is liable for any injuries that a pedestrian suffers while walking on their section of sidewalk if it is not kept clear (as much as is reasonable). Many communities can fine residents for not maintaining their property. This type of maintenance is a cost of owning a home. Not only clearing, but putting down a de-icer.

It is nice to offer to help clear the neighbors sidewalks if you see they are not keeping it up, though. I used to do my widowed neighbor's and say that I couldn't put my snow-blower away with gas in it, so I might as well clear her sidewalk until it ran out.

Answer 3

I think that homeowners should have to shovel their own sidewalk (I understand if they are not physically able to) because many a time I have not only been anoyed that I must trek through snow, but also when there is a pile of snow somewhere and there is unseen ice underneath. Then I trip and fall and get really pissed off at the owner.

Answer 4

nicely, its an identical in another community I surely have ever lived in and it kind of feels to be the norm in north usa. the city would have an easement for a definite form of ft off of the roadway and specific, you will possibly no longer legally very own the component of the sidewalk yet very nearly all cities have pronounced, by utilising utilising bylaw which they have the criminal authority to do, that the owner of a house and company proprietor could save that sparkling. that is purely the way issues are and that i've got seen lots of people ticketed for no longer having complied with the bylaw. Welcome to the actual international. the only rules on the concern are those that say you're able to do it. remember besides that in case you do no longer shovel and somebody falls and gets harm it is going to likely be YOUR insurance (in case you have it) which would be paying out and you will finally end up with greater rates.

Answer 5

sidewalk should be cleaned ,suppose you are walking down those same side walk and you fall who would you blame.although the snow is cleared there is some ice that can you to fall.people do waly on the street in winter are we going to fine all of them.

Answer 6

In Milwaukee, and all their suburbs in Milwaukee County, you have to have the sidewalk cleared of snow within 24 hours after it stops snowing. They usually don't enforce it unless someone complains.In our suburb, they then send a crew out to shovel it and add the costs & fine to your tax bill.

Answer 7

The sidewalk belongs to the city. I'd think it would be the city's responsibility. You all should get together and ask where your taxes are going.

Answer 8

The city clears our sidewalks, that would make more sense if your city cleared the sidewalks.

Answer 9

In most cases the side walk does not belong to the homeowner it belongs to the city. You cannot police such an effort and if people want to walk in the street then it is at there risk and that is really beyond concern. We are still a "free" people.

Answer 10

In most cities, you don't own the sidewalk but are responible for it and can be sued by the city or users for accidents and right to passage :(