• Why is sidewalk snow removal important?

Residents of all ages and abilities need to use the sidewalks to get where they are going every day of the year. Many children, older adults, and people with disabilities face serious mobility challenges in the winter time. Clear sidewalks are a shared community responsibility, and this ordinance clarifies the requirements for snow and ice removal.

• Do the regulations for sidewalk snow removal in Nelsonville apply to home, business and property owners?

Yes, the sidewalk snow regulations affect all home, business and property owners in Nelsonville. Business owners that rent space adjacent to sidewalks are responsible for shoveling snow under the ordinance. Some landlords for residential and commercial property hold tenants responsible for snow clearance as a part of their lease agreement, others do not. Renters who are not certain of their shoveling responsibilities should check their rental agreements or ask their landlords for clarification.

• When do I have to shovel my snow?

It is recommended that you shovel snow as soon as possible after it falls. You must shovel and remove all snow and ice accumulated within a reasonable time, which will ordinarily not exceed twelve (12) hours, after the end of any storm.

• Do I have to shovel on weekends?

Yes, you must shovel 7 days a week in the City of Nelsonville.

• In what way should I shovel my sidewalks to be in compliance?

You must totally clear all the sidewalks adjacent to your property, including any crosswalk ramps. Do not shovel the snow into the right-of-way, which includes streets, alleys, bus stops, parking spaces, bike lanes and any other space where snow impedes traffic of any kind.

• How does this rule apply to corner lots?

Yes, if you are responsible for a corner lot, you must remove snow and ice from side walks on all sides of your building and from corner sidewalk ramps. This applies to residential property and business owners.

• Do I have to remove snow from storm drains and around fire hydrants?

Removal of snow from storm drains and from around fire hydrants is not required, but it is recommended. During the winter months, fire hydrants and storm drains need to be kept free and clear of snow and ice. This ensures the safety of your neighborhood in the event of an emergency.

Your assistance is important in making sure that snow and ice is cleared from fire hydrants and storm drains nearest your property after each storm to ensure the protection of your property.

• Can I be penalized for failing to shovel?

Yes, you can receive a citation for failure to shovel. Violation of this ordinance is a minor misdemeanor, and if the offender has previously been convicted of a violation of this section, the offender shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. 

Each day this section is violated shall constitute a separate offense.

• How do I report a property owner who fails to shovel their sidewalk?

Report property owners who DO NOT clear their sidewalks by texting a “Snow – Uncleared Sidewalk” request with the Nelsonville “TextMyGov” system at 740-265-3858. You can also contact the Nelsonville Code Enforcement office 8AM- 4PM Monday/Friday (740) 753-1314 or administration@cityofnelsonville.com.

The City of Nelsonville Code Enforcement Office would like to remind Nelsonville residents of the City code that exist requiring the removal of snow and ice from sidewalks.

If a complaint is filed and valid, a violation notice will be issued to the owner. If violations exist, a violation notice is issued giving the property owner time to make corrections. If violations are not corrected in consultation with the Department of Law, legal proceedings can be initiated against the property owner.

§9.14.05. Streets and sidewalks.

It shall be the duty of the owner, or occupant of each and every parcel of real estate in the City abutting upon a sidewalk to keep said sidewalk abutting his premises free and clear of snow and ice, and to remove there from all snow and ice accumulated thereon within a reasonable time, which will ordinarily not exceed twelve (12) hours, after the abatement of any storm during which said snow and ice may have accumulated.

Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor, and if the offender has previously been convicted of a violation of this section, the offender shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. 

Each day this section is violated shall constitute a separate offense.

Please contact Becky Barber, Code Enforcement Officer, if you have any questions or concerns. 8AM- 4PM Monday/Friday (740) 753-1314 or administration@cityofnelsonville.com.