City of Iowa City news release
We know that was a lot of snow. Clearing your sidewalk of snow may take some time, but your future self will thank your present self if you start early. If you’re able to, help out your neighbors and anyone who may need assistance, or help clear curb cuts and fire hydrants!
Remember: for the safety of everyone in your neighborhood, sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours of the snowstorm ending. With the snowstorm ending late Tuesday evening, enforcement will start Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024
Additional snowfalls greater than one inch restart the enforcement clock. This evening’s snowfall on Jan. 10 may reach that threshold. Additionally, the forecast for Friday predicts another round of snowfall of over one inch. Monday, Jan. 15, is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a national holiday, meaning enforcement may be pushed to Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024.
With the colder temperatures forecasted for next week, we encourage community members to address the snow removal as soon as possible.
Snow and ice removal
To ensure the well-being of neighbors and those who require sidewalk access for their commutes to work, school, and other needs, snow should be cleared within 24 hours of a one-inch or greater snowfall, or after any accumulation of ice has ended.
During winter, temperatures can rise above freezing during the day and melt snow away, then cool back down at night, creating an icy layer. Please be sure to check that sidewalks remain cleared of ice, as well as snow. Doing so helps protect the many pedestrians who use sidewalks daily in Iowa City. Those who do not remove snow and ice could face a fine; something we all want to avoid.
Salt/sand mix available for residents
The City provides a limited amount of salt/sand mix available at no charge at the Streets Division parking lot, located off of South Gilbert Street in the parking lot at 3901 Napoleon Lane. Iowa City residents should provide their own five-gallon bucket and shovel to obtain the salt/sand mix, which is intended for local residential sidewalks, and not for commercial or contractor use. The mix is currently available.
Sidewalk regulations
Property owners are responsible for ice and snow removal from all sidewalks that abut their private property.
- The entire width of the sidewalk must be cleared down to concrete.
- Renters should check their leases to verify if snow and ice removal is the responsibility of the landlord or the tenant.
Clearing curb ramps and crosswalks keeps sidewalks accessible
We encourage residents to help keep curb ramps clear. Snow and ice-free curb ramps are needed to keep sidewalks accessible to everyone.
Snow and ice that accumulate in crosswalks make it difficult and dangerous for many of our residents, especially those with limited mobility, or children on their way to and from school. When you get to the end of your sidewalk, please shovel a few extra feet to clear the crosswalks and curb ramps if you are able. Your extra effort is greatly appreciated.
Reporting snowy or icy sidewalks
Those who wish to report a property where the adjacent public sidewalk has not been cleared can contact the City of Iowa City:
- Download the free ICGovXpress mobile app for your smartphone or tablet.
Search GoRequest where you get your apps. - Visit www.icgov.org/ICgovXpress
- Call the complaint hotline at 319-356-5152
Complaints must be specific and include an address for staff to respond.
Penalties
If a complaint is received about an uncleared property, an inspector will visit the address to verify the violation, and leave a notification tag at the property. A Notice of Violation will also be mailed to the property owner and an additional 24 hours will be given to clear the pavement. If not completed by the deadline, the City will hire a private contractor to shovel, and the property owner will be billed those costs plus a $100 administrative fee. Only one notification will be given per snow season. Subsequent violations at the property will be cleared without further notification.
