Snow Removal Assistance Program
The 2025-2026 winter will be the final year of the City’s Snow Removal Assistance Program. Due to limited remaining funds, only residents who were participants of the prior winter’s program are eligible to apply. Due to budget shortfalls and growing demands on City resources, leaders have made the difficult decision to fully discontinue the program after this season.
To be eligible for the final winter of 2025-2026, applicants must:
• Live in their own home. Rental properties are not eligible unless the tenant is contractually responsible for snow removal.
• Be physically unable to remove snow. All household members must certify that they have a physical condition that prevents safe snow removal.
• Have a 2024 household income at or below 60% Area Median Income. Income is defined as the unadjusted gross income earned of all household members over the age of 18, including Social Security and Pension benefits.
• Have participated in the Snow Removal Assistance Program in the prior year
Eligible applicants were mailed an application in mid-September. Applications are due October 3, 2025. If you believe you are eligible but did not receive an application, call the Department of Planning & Development at 701.241.1474.
Resident Responsibilities
Residents are required by City Ordinance #18-0301 to clear their public sidewalk (including the area that runs through the driveway and crosswalks, if applicable) of snow and ice within 24 hours of the end of the snowfall. If snow is not removed from the sidewalk within this time frame, and the property is reported to the City, then the property will receive a visit and subsequent notice from the City's sidewalk inspector. If the sidewalk is not cleared within 24 hours of this notice, the inspector will have the work completed and the owner will be responsible for the associated costs, which will be assessed to the property.
For the non-public areas, i.e., the driveway and walkways to the door, residents are encouraged to complete snow removal, but clearing of these areas is not enforceable by the City.
Residents may hire a private snow removal contractor, ask for help from family, friends, or neighbors, or check with local nonprofits, church groups, or other community service organizations that may provide assistance. The City does not provide direct financial assistance, but residents can call 2-1-1 to learn about the availability of other community resources.
For more information about the program, please contact the Planning & Development Department or call 701.241.1474.