Sidewalk Snow Removal Regulations & Winter Storm Reminders

By Tony Zeli

Remember to clear your sidewalks, driveways, and curb cuts. Although Portland’s parks and recreation department takes care of more than 100 miles of sidewalks around the city, it’s up to each residential and business property owner to maintain their own sidewalks. If not done properly and in time, there could be fines to pay. But really it’s all about helping each other get around.

SIDEWALK SNOW REMOVAL REGULATIONS

The City’s sidewalk snow removal ordinance requires business owners to remove snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their property 12 hours following a winter storm or after the city’s snow removal operations are done, whichever is later. The same goes for residential owners, only they get 18 hours.  

Business owners who fail to remove snow and ice within these time frames risk facing a $250 fine for the first offense, $500 for the second offense, and $1,000 for any subsequent offense within the same winter season. Additionally, should the city have to remove the snow and ice or arrange for its removal, the property owner will be charged for the cost of removal plus a 10% charge for administration. 

Likewise, residential owners can be fined $75 for the first offense, $125 for the second, and $250 for any subsequent offense in the same season. Again, should the city have to remove the snow and ice, they’ll charge for the cost of removal plus 10%. 

According to city spokesperson Jessica Grondin, during the last winter season of 2022-23, there were 468 reports of sidewalk snow violations. Of that number, 143 were in compliance by the time inspectors arrived. Another 262 were issued a notice of violation and 63 were issued a summons and a contractor was called to remove snow from their sidewalks.

You should know:

• You must clear and sand/salt a minimum of four feet width on all public sidewalks and sidewalk access ramps. Snow cannot be pushed or dumped from driveways and parking lots onto public access sidewalks and access ramps. 
• Help the Portland Fire Department by keeping your neighborhood fire hydrants clear of snow and ice. The City currently has 1,460 public hydrants.
• Also help city crews by clearing storm drains in front of your homes to prevent water ponding. 

“Here in the West End there are many people who push strollers or use wheelchairs, scooters, rollators, walking sticks and canes,” said resident and WEN volunteer contributor Rosanne Graef. “Think about them when you clear the sidewalk, don’t just make a pro forma gesture to meet the city’s deadline.”

Portland Sand & Salt Pile – Open to residents only

Portland’s community residential sand and salt pile is located at the Little League parking lot at Payson Park. This sand and salt pile is for residential use only. Contractors are not allowed. Residents may take two five-gallon pails at a time. 

Remember, excessive use of salts kills trees and other vegetation, and it can irritate the paws of dogs. Sand may be messy, but it provides traction and helps prevent slips and falls.

Shoverling for Seniors

The City encourages everyone to help their neighbors who are physically unable (elderly and disabled) to clear their sidewalks. If you need help with removing snow from sidewalks, contact the City’s Elder Services Department at 207-541-6620.

Also,the Age-Friendly Portland Steering Committee is looking for volunteers willing to shovel snow for an elderly neighbor. “At last count, we have a total of 148 volunteer shovelers,” according Portland’s Elder Advocate Linda Weare in an email to WEN. That’s up from about forty volunteers, as we last reported in December.

But they still need neighborhood coordinators in Riverton, East Bayside, and Rosemont. Neighborhood coordinators help direct volunteers to those who need assistance in their own neighborhoods.

FMI

Additional winter operations tips and reminders can be found here.

To view a map of city sidewalks cleared by Public Works and Parks, Recreation & Facilities staff, see winter sidewalks.