GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The City of Grand Rapids has a reminder for residents ahead of a winter storm: be a good neighbor and clear your sidewalks.
City ordinance requires that all property owners completely clear all ice and snow for the full width of the sidewalk adjacent to their property, down to the concrete. It must be completed within 24 hours of a snowfall.
If city leaders receive a complaint about a sidewalk that has not been cleared, the property owner will be mailed a notice of complaint or a notice will be posted on the property.
Sidewalks that are not cleared within 48 hours of that notice will result in city snow removal contractors completing the work. The property owner will be fined for the total cost of clearing the sidewalk.
The initial cost on that is $183 for the first 15 minutes, plus $44 for every additional 15 minutes.
Last winter, the city got 467 complaints and was forced to clear 80 of those sidewalks.
The city says they enforce this ordinance to keep sidewalks safe and accessible for neighbors, postal workers and children walking to and from school.
“Shoveled sidewalks contribute to the livability of our neighborhoods by providing year-round mobility options for all residents, especially those who are not able to drive or who choose not to drive,” said City Engineer Tim Burkman. “Promptly clearing snow and ice keeps our pedestrian network safe and accessible in the winter months, particularly for seniors, children, and those with disabilities, so that all people can get to work, school, healthcare, shopping, and places of worship.”
Anyone who needs assistance clearing sidewalks should contact a private snowplowing company, the United Way (2-1-1) or their neighborhood association.