With winter upon us, we must remember that many rely on walking and public transit as their primary mode of travel. Children, seniors and people with disabilities have a harder time navigating uncleared sidewalks after snow falls.
According to the Municipal Code of Chicago (4-4-310 & 10-8-180), property and business owners and occupants are responsible for keeping sidewalks clear of snow and ice. At least 5 feet of snow must be cleared from adjacent sidewalks. Snow that falls between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm must be cleared by 10:00 pm, while snow that falls overnight must be cleared by 10:00 am the next morning.
Fines range between $50 and $500 for residential properties and $100 to $1000 for businesses.
Please help report locations that DO NOT clear their sidewalks by making a “Snow – Uncleared Sidewalk” request with the City of Chicago 311 Service Request line.
Source: Alderman Brian Hopkins 2nd Ward Newsletter: 12/4/18
