The City of Fargo is changing how it bills property owners who do not clear snow and ice from the public sidewalks next to their property. Beginning this winter, if the City needs to hire a snow removal contractor, the property owner will be billed for the full cost in all situations, rather than receiving a reduced rate for the first contracted snow removal of the season.
How the billing process is changing
In past winters, the City charged residential property owners a set rate based on sidewalk length for the first contracted snow removal of the season and paid the remaining cost with Public Works funds. Under the new process, residential and commercial property owners will be required to pay the full amount invoiced by the contractor. The change is intended to conserve taxpayer dollars and City resources.
How sidewalk snow removal is enforced
Fargo Municipal Code section 18-0301 requires property owners to clear snow and ice from public sidewalks next to their property. This includes curb ramps at crosswalks and sidewalks crossing driveways. Enforcement of this requirement is strictly complaint-based. The process starts when someone files a complaint about an uncleared sidewalk. The Public Works Department will begin taking such complaints 24 hours after a snowfall ends. After receiving a complaint, Public Works will inspect the sidewalk, leave a notice if it is not in compliance, and give the property owner 24 hours to clear it themselves. If the sidewalk is not cleared, the City may arrange for a contractor to clear it and bill the property owner. Unpaid snow removal bills will eventually be specially assessed against the property.
The Public Works Department appreciates the work property owners do to keep sidewalks clear throughout the winter. This helps maintain safe, accessible routes for pedestrians. For questions on sidewalk snow removal, please contact Public Works at 701.241.1453 or through the City of Fargo website.