Shovel your sidewalks to help keep walking safe for all our neighbors

Keeping our sidewalks free of ice and snow is the neighborly thing to do. Together, we are all responsible for keeping Saint Paul safe and effortless for winter walking.

Also, it’s the law.

Saint Paul ordinance (Chapter 113 and Chapter 114 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code) requires that property owners clear sidewalks of snow and ice within 24 hours after the end of a snowfall.

Tips

• Property owners must shovel the sidewalks on all sides of their property, the full width of the sidewalk to the bare pavement, including corners.
• Property owners must remove all ice from sidewalks. After the sidewalk is clear, sprinkling a little sand can help prevent slipping.
• Snow should be cleared onto the yard and boulevard. It’s against the law to shovel snow into streets and alleys.
• Those who own corner properties should clear curb cuts at corners and crosswalks to the street gutter. It is not required to clear snow ridges or piles left by the plows beyond the gutter, because city crews return to do that. But if they can’t neighbors appreciate it when property owners clear an opening to get through.
• Property owners should make arrangements for someone to take over snow and ice removal when they are on vacation.

Report safety hazards

To report a sidewalk that’s a safety hazard and needs shoveling, contact the Department of Safety and Inspections at 651-266-8989. Be sure to tell them the address of the property. The city will contact the property owner to make sure the sidewalk is shoveled as soon as possible. If the owner does not comply, the city will send a crew to clear the sidewalk and bill the property owner for the work.

Remind your neighbors

Download a printable door hanger to take with you on your next walk and leave it as a reminder to neighbors to keep their sidewalks clear.

What about the bus shelters and bus stops?

If the bus shelter does not contain advertisements, call Metro Transit at 612-373-3333, press “0” and ask the receptionist to be connected to Shelter Maintenance. If the shelter does have advertisements, contact CBS Outdoor at 952-920-7657.

What if I can’t shovel my sidewalk? What resources are there?

Seniors can call the Senior LinkAge Line at 1-800-333-2433 for help in finding assistance. The Disability Hub MN at 1-866-333-2466 is available for those with a disability. These resources may come with a cost associated.

Want to go that extra mile? 

​Help a neighbor in need who may be elderly, sick, disabled, or may have a hard time shoveling for any reason. You can also help by clearing around fire hydrants and bus stops.