Shoveling Snow

Shoveling and clearing private sidewalks

By city ordinance, property owners are responsible for removing snow and ice from the sidewalks adjacent to their property within 12 hours after snow or ice precipitation has stopped.

View city ordinance Ch. 70 Article I, §70-2

If snow and ice are not removed, it may be removed by authorized city personnel and the costs for snow removal will be assessed against the property.

Tips

Tips for reducing snow deposited in driveway by plows (Mn/DOT)

Reporting uncleared sidewalks

Report uncleared sidewalks

Dumping or leaving snow in public roadways is not allowed

The Rice County Highway Department and City of Northfield reminds all residents and snow removal operators that it is unlawful to deposit snow onto public roadways or municipally owned parking area. This includes snow left on the roadway as a plow or snowblower enters or leaves a driveway.

View Minnesota Statute 160.2715

Piles of snow deposited onto public roadways may re-freeze and create a significant hazard to the travelling public and future snow removal operations.

Other hazards created by improper placement of snow on or near a public roadway include drainage problems, drifting, sight obstruction and impaired safe accessibility. 

Violations are considered a misdemeanor, and civil penalties also may apply if the placement of snow creates a hazard that contributes to a motor vehicle crash and or pedestrian injury. The civil liability can extend to both the property owner and the person who places the snow.