Iowa City Today

City of University Heights recently issued the following announcement.

Things to keep in mind when snow is in the forecast:

• Property owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice from the public sidewalk within 24 hours of accumulation. 
  • The entire width of the sidewalk must be cleared down to the concrete. The property owner is liable for accidents due to failure to clear sidewalks.
  • The sidewalk extension/curb ramp leading to the street must also be cleared.
• The City has the authority to remove snow/ice from sidewalks not cleared within the 24-hour period and to charge the cost to the property owner without prior notification.
• Persons are prohibited from placing snow/ice onto the property of another or onto public property. Persons are also prohibited from moving snow/ice across a street to deposit it onto the other side. Notify your snow removal contractor of this.

Wintertime tips:

• Do not blow or shovel snow into the street. This is a violation of Ordinance No. 97. Instead, angle your snowblower chute so snow is deposited in your yard.
• Treat your driveway and sidewalk with ice melt before precipitation begins if temperatures are expected to drop below 10 degrees. This will help prevent the snow/ice from freezing to the pavement and it will be easier to remove.
• Avoid parking on the street when snow is expected so snowplows can more effectively clear the street.
• Consider adopting a hydrant and keeping it cleared of snow. If you or your neighbors suffer a house fire, it is critical that the fire department can quickly locate and access hydrants.
• Consider clearing snow away from storm drains to help prevent flooding when temperatures rise above freezing.
• Barrels placed around town contain sand and salt for use on icy patches that may form on streets.  

Related ordinances:

• Ordinance No. 82 (PDF) - Removal of accumulations of snow and ice from sidewalks and assessing the costs thereof against the abutting property owner.
• Ordinance No. 97 (PDF) - Snow removal from sidewalks and driveways.

Original source can be found here.