City to begin issuing notices for sidewalks with snow, ice

PCC STAFF

FORT MADISON - Fort Madison city officials are notifying residents that starting Thursday, notices will be given to property owners that have not cleared public sidewalks of snow and ice.

City Building Director Doug Krogmeier said due to excessive snow over the last month, compounded with extreme temperatures, the city has given property owners time to clear walkways.

"As the weather warms and people begin to get out again, it is important that property owners maintain safe conditions for pedestrian travel," Krogmeier wrote in an email Wednesday.

"While the City intentionally held off from requiring public sidewalks be cleared for the safety of the property owners due to the extreme cold temperatures, the weather is warming and it is time to address these sidewalks."

Starting tomorrow, Thursday, February 18, 2021 the City will begin issuing notices to property owners that have not cleared their public sidewalks of snow and ice.

Property owners will be given three to four days to clear snow from public sidewalks. If said snow is not substantially removed, City contractors will perform the task and the owners will be notified that the cost of abatement will be applied to the property taxes.

City Code indicates that snow and ice not removed from public sidewalks within 12 hours of the snow and ice stopping is a nuisance that can be remedied by city action