Grand Rapids city officials say while property owners are still responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks, they will show leniency when it comes to enforcing the snow removal ordinance which normally requires snow and ice removal within 24 hours of a snow event.
Interim City Engineer Cindy Irving said the temporary changes are necessary to keep enforcement fair and realistic during the current weather conditions.
Irving stated that in the last week, the city received 315 complaints, averaging about 60 new complaints a day, and clearing crews cannot keep up with that volume.
Officials say if a property owner shows a good-faith effort to clear snow and ice, such as shoveling, scraping or using salt or traction materials, and the sidewalk is reasonably passable, the city may close the complaint even if some snow remains.
Contractor snow removal will be ordered only when there is no sign that the property owner attempted to address the sidewalk conditions.
The temporary enforcement changes will be reviewed once weather conditions improve.
For a weekly dose of news right to your inbox, sign up for the WGVU newsletter.
