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Property Owners and Managers Must Clear Sidewalks

Property owners/managers are responsible for clearing sidewalks of snow and ice in front of their home or business. Saint Paul City Ordinance requires owners to remove snow and ice from sidewalks within 24 hours. 

For more information, see Chapter 113 and Chapter 114 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code.

Report a Sidewalk Violation

We encourage you to help your neighbors shovel their sidewalk. As a friendly reminder, you can use our door hanger to inform neighbors of their responsibilities.

How to Report

There are two ways to report a sidewalk that's a safety hazard and needs shoveling:

Be sure to provide the property address and check to be certain it’s within city limits.

To report snow or ice at bus or light rail shelters, call Metro Transit at 612-373-3333. Ask to connect with the shelter maintenance team. 

Report a Sidewalk Violation

This link takes you to our general incident report form. Select "snow and ice" to report a sidewalk that needs shoveling.

What Happens After You Submit a Report

The City's Department of Safety and Inspections will send a letter to the property owner to make sure they shovel the sidewalk as soon as possible. 

An inspector will inspect the sidewalk, usually 48 hours after sending the letter. If the owner hasn't or won't clear the sidewalk, the City may send a crew to clear the sidewalk at the property owner's expense.

Sidewalk Shoveling Guide

We want everyone to be able to move throughout Saint Paul during the winter months. Keeping sidewalks clear of snow and ice makes our City easier and safer to navigate. Follow these requirements to ensure everyone can get around this winter:

  • Clear sidewalks of snow and ice within 24 hours after a winter weather event.
  • Shovel the full width of the sidewalk, including hard boulevards if there’s street parking.
  • Clear corner curb cuts, bus stops without a shelter, and fire hydrants along your property.
  • Pile snow onto your yard or boulevard. It's unlawful to shovel snow into streets, alleys, parking places, or in front of other properties.
  • If you have new concrete sidewalks or driveway aprons do NOT use any salt products for the first winter season. It will damage the new concrete. Please use sand or grit for traction.
  • You’re not required to clear snow ridges or piles left by plows beyond the street gutter, but it can be a great help to pedestrians.

Using Salt and Sand to Melt Ice

Property owners/managers must clear all ice from sidewalks. If you plan to use salt or sand to melt ice, remember: a little goes a long way.

  • Shovel first. Only use salt or sand on areas needed for safety.
  • After shoveling, sprinkle a little sand and paw-friendly salt.
  • Distribute salt evenly, not in clumps. It gets wasted and washed into the environment.
  • One coffee mug of salt (roughly 12 oz.) is enough to treat a 20-foot driveway.
  • Untreated salt stops working in temperatures below 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

Why is it important to avoid too much salt?

  • More salt doesn't produce more melting.
  • Salt seeps into concrete and asphalt and can cause deterioration over time.
  • Excess salt flows into our rivers, lakes, and streams.

Download Our Shoveling and Ice Clearing Guide

Snow Shoveling Assistance

City staff are often asked about volunteer resources, individuals, or groups that offer shoveling help. There are a handful of local volunteer groups that offer support:

Please note that some of these groups and resources may only have paid programs and services.

Prepare for a Snow Emergency

Expecting snow? Visit our Snow Emergency hub to: 

Let’s work together to keep our streets and sidewalks cleared and open throughout the winter months.