City Of Minneapolis: When It Snows, Remember To Shovel Your Sidewalk

Press release from the City of Minneapolis:

December 7, 2021

Sidewalks are a critical part of Minneapolis’ transportation system and they should be open for everyone. With the snow season upon us, here’s a refresher on the City’s rules: Minneapolis ordinance requires property owners of single family homes and duplexes to clear sidewalks within 24 hours after a snowfall, and all other property owners must clear their sidewalks within four daytime hours.

Clearing snow and ice from sidewalks helps people of all ages and abilities safely walk or roll to where they need to go. This is a primary mode of transportation for many people in the city so it’s important to be a good neighbor and help them out.

In addition to relying on complaints reported to 311, City inspectors will also be out in neighborhoods actively looking for sidewalks that aren’t shoveled. Failure to shovel and maintain your sidewalk could result in a warning letter and, if left uncleared, a bill for the City to remove snow from your sidewalk. A typical bill is $229. 

People should call 311 to learn more about resources available to people who may need help clearing their sidewalks.

Snow shoveling videos

Snow shoveling videos

Informative videos in English, Spanish, Somali and Hmong are available online to help explain what property owners need to do when it snows.

• Shoveling Snow When it snows, make sure to clear your sidewalks of snow and ice to keep them safe and avoid a bill for the City to do the work for you.
• Limpieza de Nieve (Shoveling Snow, Spanish) Cuando Nieva, asegurese de limpiar la nieve y hielo de su acera para mantenerla segura y evitar una multa de la ciudad.
• Barafka Ka Xaaq Gurigaaga iyo Ganacsigaaga Hortooda(Shoveling Snow, Somali) Markii baraf da'o, ka xaaq barafka dariiqa gugigaaga ama ganacsigaaga hor mara si dadku nabad galyo ugu maraan adna aad uga badbaado ganaax. 
• Kev Kaus Daus (Shoveling Snow, Hmong) Thaum daus lo, koj yuav tsum kaus txoj kev taug ko taw ntawm koj lub tsev.

Shoveling Snow Limpieza de Nieve Barafka Ka Xaaq Gurigaaga iyo Ganacsigaaga Hortooda Kev Kaus Daus

Find more information about snow clearing on the City’s website.

This press release was produced by the City of Minneapolis. The views expressed here are the author’s own.