With only 2 inches of snow blanketing the Kansas City metro area, homeowners are facing a dilemma. Should you even bother clearing off your driveway and sidewalk? After all, if you wait until Saturday two days away won’t it all melt? Let’s look into  what some local Kansas and Missouri cities say about clearing off your driveway and sidewalk and if public sidewalk snow clearing is treated differently than private sidewalk snow clearing.

You may be surprised to know that most cities require property owners to clear public sidewalks within a reasonable time after snow or ice storms are over. Why? According to Kansas City Ordinance Sec. 64-246 you can get fines, but there’s also a civic duty required. The City of Kansas City says it best, “as a neighborly act to help pedestrians who rely on walking as a means of transportation”. The City of Independence requires the property owner or occupant to maintain a safe walking surface free of ice, snow, dirt or other substances that obstruct or render the sidewalk dangerous on and adjacent to their property.

Kansas metro cities treat sidewalk snow removal the same. Shawnee requires sidewalk clearing within 48 hours after snow stops coming down. Prairie Village also has a City Ordinance 13-404 making it unlawful to not clear snow and ice within 24 hours after the snow falls. Although Overland Park does not have a city ordinance, the city urges all residents to remove snow and ice whenever possible.

What about private sidewalks and driveways? If someone falls and hurts themselves on your property then you could get stuck paying their medical expenses. Worst yet, you can run up expensive legal fees defending yourself in court as to why you shouldn’t.

There you have it. Whether it’s the law, a neighborly act or civic duty, let’s clear those sidewalks for those walking their dogs or going to the bus stop.