Issued by: Housing Inspection

Mailing List(s): General City News

Originally Posted 12/5/2012 3:47:05 PM

Don’t let the current unseasonable weather fool you – the snow season is rapidly approaching and the City of Iowa City wants to inform all property owners and tenants of their responsibilities in removing snow from public sidewalks.

The Iowa City snow removal ordinance requires that public sidewalks adjacent to private property be cleared of all snow and ice within 24 hours after a snowfall of one inch or more or any accumulation of ice has stopped.

Property owners are responsible for the removal of snow and ice from all sidewalks that abut their private property. Tenants – please check your leases to see if your landlord has transferred that responsibility to you. The sidewalk must be cleared the entire width of the sidewalk down to concrete. If Housing and Inspection Services receives a complaint about a property not being shoveled, an inspector goes out to verify the violation. If the violation is verified, a tag is left at the property allowing another 24 hours to remove the accumulation and a Notice of Violation is mailed to the property owner. The inspector reinspects the property 24 hours later and, if the snow or ice still is not removed, the City hires a private contractor to remove the snow or ice. The property owner is billed that amount plus a $75.00 administrative fee. Please be considerate of your neighbors and fellow Iowa City residents this winter season and keep your sidewalks clear and safe.

If you wish to make a complaint about a property that has not cleared the adjacent public sidewalk of snow and ice, please call 356-5152 and leave a message on the complaint hotline. Please be accurate with a specific address. The City cannot address vague complaints or complaints that encompass a large area – like “Gilbert Street from Brown to Hwy 6″.

View this article on the ICGov Web Site: http://www.icgov.org/apps/news/?newsID=8407