Many local residents and business owners could be seen shoveling snow around the community following this weekend’s blizzard.
But people who do not shovel sidewalks around their properties may be violating a municipal ordinance.
Both the cities of Leavenworth and Lansing have ordinances requiring residents to shovel snow from sidewalks.
In Leavenworth, “every person in the possession and occupancy of any premises adjacent to any sidewalk or sidewalk ramp” is required to remove all snow from the sidewalks within 24 hours after the snow has fallen, according to the city code.
Violation of this code is considered a misdemeanor in Leavenworth.
Leavenworth code enforcement officers generally only send violation notices to people after receiving complaints, according to city officials.
Most of the complaints concern areas near schools.
In Lansing, an ordinance requires property owners or occupants of properties “immediately adjacent to a public sidewalk” to remove snow and ice within 24 hours of the end of the storm. If removal of the ice is impossible, property owners or occupants are still required to place sand or de-icer material on the sidewalks, according to the city code.
Violation of the Lansing ordinance can result in a $20 fine for each day of the violation.
(Read more: Leavenworth Times)