Private
and commercial property owners and occupants are required to clear sidewalks of
snow and ice within 24 hours of the snowfall’s end. Failure to do so
compromises the safety and wellbeing of La Crosse’s pedestrians and could
result in fines.
Private
property owners and occupants with un-cleared sidewalks may be reported to the
Engineering Department and will then receive a notice to clear the sidewalk
within the next 24 hours. If still un-cleared, a Street Department crew
will clear the sidewalk at the property owner’s expense. Fines include a
$50 administration fee as well as an additional $2.50 per linear foot, about
$300 for every 100 feet of un-cleared sidewalk.
The
city does not patrol for un-cleared sidewalks, so residents are encouraged to
take it upon themselves to report un-cleared sidewalks as a public safety precaution.
These reports can be made to the La Crosse Department of Engineering at (608)
789-7505.
Along
with private property owners, apartment occupants should also be aware that
clearing ice and snow from sidewalks could be their responsibility as
well. Tenants in doubt of their responsibilities regarding snow and ice
removal should check their leases or contact their landlords. Fines
against renters will be taken out of their security deposit, whereas private
owners will pay the charge with their property tax bill.
