Cities of Duluth and Superior Stepping Up Enforcement of Snow Removal

With this last dumping of snow many people had to dig or snow blow there way out, but make sure you clear your sidewalks as well or face the consequences. We have lived in our home for 13 years and when we get a ton of snow we face the daunting task of shoveling our way out. I purchased a small snow blower form our neighbor years ago, but it is not self propelled and honestly is more trouble than it is worth to bring it around to the front of the house to clear the sidewalks, so we go old school and have to shovel.

The problem we face as do many people is we have tons and I mean tons of people that walk on the sidewalk in front of our house, and if the snow is falling when we are at work by the time we get home the snow is all pushed down into the pavement making it that much harder to clear up. But the bottom line is do your best or you could get cited by the city. Thankfully we have awesome neighbors who usually snow blow the entire block so we have half the normal shoveling to do.

In case you were not aware of the rules here is a general overview for Duluth and Superior.

Duluth-

• Owners have to remove snow and ice from sidewalks around their property within 24 hours of snowfall.
• It is illegal to deposit snow from the sidewalks or your property into the street
• Clear snow the width of the sidewalk to allow wheelchairs and strollers to get through
• Remove snow to bare pavement or to a level surface, use sand or salt to help with melting or traction.
• Remove snow around fire hydrants and handicap ramps

According to the City of Duluth website:" City staff will make every effort to contact a property owner regarding an area that has not been cleared, however, if timely action is not taken, a citation and/or order for clearing will be issued and associated fees will be charged to the property owner." For more information or questions Click Here

Superior-

• Remove snow from all sidewalks adjacent to your property including ramps and crosswalks
• Do not deposit snow into the street, bike paths or adjacent properties.
• Use only as much sand or salt as needed
• Clear a path the width of the sidewalk to allow for wheelchairs and strollers
• Make arrangements with a neighbor to remove snow on your property if you are going to be out of town.
• Property owners have 48 hours to clear snow and ice from property.

According to the city of Superior website: "The city may take action to have the snow removed without prior notice. The cost of the removal along with an additional administrative fee of $75.00 will be charged to the owner of the property." For more information or questions Click Here.