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Keep sidewalks safe: Reminder of City of Madison sidewalk shoveling and salt use ordinances
posted
With snow in the forecast, the City of Madison’s Building Inspection Division would like to remind everyone about the City’s ordinances for sidewalk clearing and salt usage.
Who is responsible for clearing sidewalks?
If you are a property owner with a walkway along your property, you are responsible for removing the snow and ice in a timely manner. You will usually have until Noon the day after the snow stops falling to clear your sidewalk (unless announced otherwise), but the best way to stay up-to-date is to sign up for the City of Madison’s Sidewalk Snow Removal Updates e-mail list.
If you are a renter, be sure to read your lease to check who is responsible for shoveling the sidewalk. The City of Madison does give extensions to older adults and people with disabilities in owner-occupied single-family homes if they need more time to shovel.
How much do I need to shovel?
City ordinances state that all snow and ice must be cleared from any walkways along your property, including the entire width of the sidewalk (from edge to edge) and curb ramps to crosswalks that may border your property. Be sure to also check your curb ramps after snow plows come through – plows are required to plow to the curb, and that means sometimes during heavy snow events, curb ramps may become blocked. You are responsible for keeping these clear, even if you already cleared these areas before the plows came through.
What happens if I do not shovel?
Those who do not clear public sidewalks in time (again, typically by Noon the day after the snow stops falling) are subject to a citation and fines. Since clear walkways are an issue of safety and accessibility, the Building Inspection Division does not provide a warning before issuing a citation for failure to remove snow.
Under City ordinance, a first offense will come with a fine of $124, while every subsequent offense comes with a fine of $187 (once all state-required assessments and fees are added to the base fines).
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$124
First Offense
After all fees and assessments are added to $50 base fine
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$187
Every Subsequent Offense
After all fees and assessments are added to $100 base fine
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$191.75
Additional snow removal fee
If the City has to remove the snow for you, including salt/sand application fee and administrative fee
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879
Sidewalk shoveling complaints
during Winter 2023-2024
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325
Sidewalk shoveling citations
during Winter 2023-2024
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79
Excessive salt use complaints
during Winter 2023-2024
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3
Excessive salt use citations
during Winter 2023-2024
What are the City of Madison’s salt use regulations?
While salt can help in clearing ice from your walkways, it is important to remember that salt does not work effectively in temperatures below 15°F. Using too much salt damages Madison’s waterways, and as a result, the City can – and has – issued fines for using too much salt. City inspectors received 79 complaints for excessive salt usage last winter, resulting in 3 citations.
Only use as much salt as you need to get the job done, and be sure to shovel snow and ice before putting salt down. A 12-ounce coffee mug of salt is enough to treat 10 sidewalk squares. You can learn more about how to limit your salt usage this winter on the City of Madison’s Salt & Sustainability page.
If temperatures are below 15°F or you cannot remove all of the ice from your sidewalk, you should use sand to create traction for pedestrians instead. The City of Madison provides free sand for residents at several locations around the City. You can find a map and a list of addresses for the sand locations on the City of Madison’s Winter website. You will need to bring your own shovel and bucket.
How do I submit a sidewalk complaint?
If you have a concern about a sidewalk near you, you can file a report with the Building Inspection Division online.
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