MADISON, Wis. — For the first time in at least ten years, the City of Madison has extended the deadline to clear snow and ice off sidewalks surrounding homes until Sunday at 12 p.m. due to the winter storm.
“This is a very unique situation,” city housing inspection supervisor JoseMaria Donoso said. “We don’t want people to go outside to clear the sidewalk only because they are worried about a citation.”
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Typically, the city says snow and ice should be removed by 12 p.m. the day after snow stops. If it isn’t, the city issues a fine of $50 without warning. Future offenses cost $100 plus extra fees.
“We are not more relaxed,” Donoso said. “The ordinance is the ordinance, and we need to apply that.”
Donoso said the city issues 600-700 citations in a typical year. This year, they have already issued at least 100 citations.
Citations are complaint-driven, according to Donoso. The city does not drive around to check if houses have removed snow, but they often notice other houses without snow removed when they address original complaints.
“We are not here for the money, Donoso said. “We are here because we enforce the safety of the public.”
For those who cannot remove the snow or ice themselves, the city recommends asking neighbors, friends and relatives for help.
Donoso said the citations are not something the city is proud of, but they are a necessary step to keep everyone safe.
“It’s for the benefit of the neighbors around you, the first responders, mail carriers, or any person who has limited mobility,” Donoso said. “They are relying on [the sidewalks] to go to school, shop at the grocery store, enjoy the weather or go outside for a walk.”
On Sunday, if you find that there is ice you can’t scrape off, sprinkle it with sand or another substance to keep it from being dangerous. You can find free sand at locations across the city by clicking here.
Download the First Warn Weather app to stay up-to-date on current weather conditions and the latest forecast.
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