Sidewalk Snow Removal

DO:

• Remove snow and ice from sidewalks and intersection handicap ramps abutting your property within 24-hours of snowfall ending.
• Clear the snow the width of the sidewalk. Remember that sidewalks are used by strollers and wheelchairs in the winter.
• Remove ice to bare pavement or make as level as possible and treat with sand, sawdust or similar material.
• Clear any snow that may be blocking a pedestrian ramp, fire hydrant or catch basin.

DON'T:

• Shovel or plow snow into the street. Violators caught shoveling snow from private property into the street will be fined.
• Overexert yourself while shoveling. Excessive strain from the cold and hard labor may cause heart attacks.

Complaints about uncleared sidewalks and pedestrian ramps can be lodged by contacting 311 or by submitting an online request.

• How does the City determine when the snowfall has ended?
  The end of a snowfall is determined based on data from the National Weather Service's weather station at the Rochester International Airport. 

• How is the ordinance enforced?
  Enforcement is primarily complaint-driven. Public Works receives complaints and sends an inspector to see if the complaint is valid. The central business area may be inspected without a complaint being received. Complaints can be lodged by calling the Public Works office (507-328-2400) or by submitting an online request.

• Who will be writing the citations?
  Public Works Department Employees have been authorized to issue Administrative Citations to enforce the existing sidewalk snow removal ordinance.

• Why did my property receive a citation?
  Upon inspection, the sidewalk was determined not to be clear of snow and ice. City-dispatched snow removal contractors are required to take before-and-after photos of the property found in violation. The photos document the conditions and can be provided as requested. Please email sidewalksnow@rochestermn.gov to request photos.

• When might inspections be delayed?
  Due to safety concerns, inspections may be delayed when subzero wind chills persist after a snow event. Inspections will resume once conditions improve and sustained safe temperatures are reached. In some cases, extended delays may occur if wind chill advisories remain in effect.

How do I get a photo of my sidewalk that resulted in a citation?
Request a photo by emailing your address to sidewalksnow@rochestermn.gov.

What are the two parts of the bill?

The first page of the bill is for the administrative citation written by the Public Works Inspector. The amount depends on whether the property is zoned residential or commercial and the number of violations in a 365-day period.

The second page of the bill is for the contractor's snow removal services. The City hires contractors and directs them to clear the sidewalk after a City staff inspection.

What are the costs associated with the citation and contractor services?

Administrative Citations increase per violation if more than one is received in a 365-day period.

• Residential Zone:
  • 1st Citation = $40
  • 2nd Citation = $60
  • 3rd or more = $120
• Commercial/CBD or Industrial Zone
  • 1st Citation = $60
  • 2nd Citation = $100
  • 3rd or more = $200

The contractor's services costs include a mobilization charge ($60 for the 2022-2023 snow season) in response to an inspector-validated complaint, PLUS removal costs based on the linear footage of the sidewalk and, if present, pedestrian ramps.

We are required to provide citation recipients with an opportunity to appeal the citation within 10 days, and therefore we mail the citation as soon as possible after it is written. We typically receive the contractor services bill at a later date and send out bills after the amounts have been reconciled with our department.

Where can I pay my citation and contractor services bill?

• Online: To view assessments online or make a payment from your savings or checking account, visit the Property Assessments webpage. Properties can be looked up either by street address or by 12 digit parcel identification number.
• In Person: Payments can be made in the Office of the City Clerk, 201 Fourth Street SE, Room 135, Rochester, Minnesota 55904, in person or by mail. Please bring or return the notice with your remittance. For information on payments, contact the City Clerk's office at (507) 328-2900.

Free sand is available to residents in Rochester. You can fill up a maximum of a 5-gallon bucket at these locations:

• By Soldiers Field - 1 AVE SW, south of 6 AVE SW. Near 728 1 AVE SW
• Behind Glynner's Pub - 1643 1/2 N Broadway Ave

The City of Rochester removes snow from many miles of bike paths and the trail network during the winter months. View a map of the paths and trails maintained during the winter. Not all paths and trails are open, as it is not practical to maintain the entire trail network.

Individuals aged 60+ and people with disabilities in need of assistance with clearing snow can contact Family Service Rochester (507-287-2010) to arrange, in advance, sidewalk snow removal. There is a sliding scale fee for this service. 

People who want to assist someone with sidewalk snow removal can register to volunteer on the Family Service Rochester website.