Residents reminded to keep sidewalks clear

Clear Lake residents are reminded that it is a City ordinance to remove snow from sidewalks within 48 hours following a snowfall.  Snow placed on sidewalks by City plows where the sidewalk meets the street is the responsibility of the property owner to remove.

As a general rule, the City does not patrol the sidewalks to identify problem areas.  However, if the Public Works Department receives a “citizen request” about a sidewalk, City staff will tag the property, which advises that the snow must be removed.  If the snow remains on the walkways, the City crews or a contracted firm may come and clear the walkways of the snow.  The cost of this snow removal, plus an administrative cost, is then billed to the property owner.  These costs shall represent a tax-lien against said property.

It is a violation to shovel, blow or plow snow from your private property or from a sidewalk onto any public highway or street. 

Property owners who have a fire hydrant near their homes are also urged to keep the hydrant clear of snow so that it is clearly visible from the street. 

To report an unsafe sidewalk, please contact the Public Works Department at 641-357-6135.