Winter in Edgewater is beautiful—but snow and ice can quickly become hazardous if sidewalks aren’t cleared promptly. That’s why the City is asking all residents to do their part to keep our community safe and accessible for everyone.

Whether you're an older adult, a parent pushing a stroller, someone using a mobility device, or simply walking to work or school, clear sidewalks are essential. Snow-covered walkways can isolate neighbors and create dangerous conditions for postal carriers, delivery drivers, and emergency responders.

What You Need to Know

Under City Code §11-2-40, residents must:

• Clear snow and ice from all sidewalks and curb ramps adjacent to their property within 24 hours of the last snowfall if snow exceeds 2 inches or any ice is present.
• Keep corner curb ramps clear—these are vital for wheelchair users, strollers, and anyone with mobility challenges.
• Avoid shoveling snow into streets or alleys, which can block traffic and create icy hazards.

Failure to comply may result in a written notice and enforcement action. The City may issue a notice requiring removal within 24 hours, and continued violations can lead to fines.

Quick Tips for Snow Removal

• Shovel early and often to prevent ice buildup.
• Use eco-friendly ice melt to reduce environmental impact.
• Check on neighbors who may need help—especially older adults or those with limited mobility.
• Keep storm drains clear to prevent flooding during snowmelt.

Report Snow & Ice Issues with AskEdgewater

If you notice a sidewalk or curb ramp that hasn’t been cleared within 24 hours of snowfall, you can report it using the City’s AskEdgewater tool:

1. Visit AskEdgewater.
2. Select a topic -  “Code Enforcement,” “Snow and Ice Removal,” or “Curb Ramp Snow Obstruction”
3. Fill out the form with location details and a description of the issue
4. Submit anonymously or create an account to track your request and directly communicate with staff.

Important Notes:

• Requests are reviewed during business hours and typically responded to within 48 hours.
• AskEdgewater is not monitored 24/7—call 911 for emergencies.
• All submissions become part of the public record, but anonymous reports will not include your contact info.

Need Help or Want to Help? Join the Snow Angels Program!

Edgewater’s Snow Angels Program connects volunteers with neighbors who need assistance clearing snow. Volunteers are matched with someone within a 10-minute walk and help make sidewalks safer for everyone.

Whether you're a teen looking for service hours, a retiree with time to give, or a neighbor who simply wants to help—you can be a Snow Angel.

Let’s work together to keep Edgewater safe, accessible, and neighborly this winter.

What the Law Says

Clearing your sidewalks and curb ramps promptly helps keep Edgewater safe and accessible for all.

Remove snow and ice on all sidewalks surrounding the property 24 hours from the last snowfall if snow over two (2) inches and all ice.

Sidewalks must be kept free of snow, ice, mud, and other obstructions to ensure safe access for everyone, including people with disabilities, older adults, and families with strollers. This includes keeping corner curb ramps clear.

City Code section 11-2-40, governs this obligation and states as follows:

It shall be the duty of every owner or occupant of any lot, property or parcel of land within the City, or his or her agent, to keep the sidewalks in the public right-of-way adjacent to such lot or parcel of land free and clear of snow, ice, mud and all other obstructions. It is unlawful to fail to keep the sidewalks free and clear of snow, ice, mud and all other obstructions. Snow, ice, mud and other obstructions cleared from sidewalks shall not be deposited on public streets or alleys.

Whenever there is an accumulation of snow, ice, mud or any other obstruction upon the sidewalk adjacent to any lot or parcel of land within the City sufficient to constitute a hazard thereon to persons or property as determined by the Chief of Police or his or her designee, the Chief of Police or his or her designee shall cause notice in writing to be served personally upon the owner or occupant of the property or his or her agent, or posted in a conspicuous place on the property, ordering such person to remove such snow, ice, mud or any other obstruction within twenty-four (24) hours from the time of serving or posting the notice. Verification of such notice shall be provided to the City Clerk. It is unlawful to fail to comply with the notice to clear sidewalks.

The Code therefore provides that property owners, tenants, or their agents are responsible for maintaining sidewalks adjacent to their property. Snow and ice must not be shoveled into streets or alleys.

As explained in the Code, if a sidewalk or curb ramp becomes hazardous due to snow, ice, or other obstructions, upon becoming aware of a violation, the City may issue a written notice requiring removal within 24 hours. Failure to comply with that notice is a violation of City Code and may result in enforcement action.

View the full code here.