Sidewalk snow and ice removal

​​​​​​​Helping people of all ages and abilities during winter means taking responsibility for snow and ice on sidewalks. P​lease exercise caution and care when shoveling, especially during extreme cold. Remember, moving snow/ice from private property onto a public street, sidewalk or bridge not only poses a significant safety hazard, it's against the law. 

To report a problem, please use the A2 Fix It website or mobile app,​ call 734.794.6942, or email [email protected].

Residential property

• Within 24-hours, after the end of each accumulation​ ​of snow greater than 1 inch, must be cleared by the owner or occupant ​from adjacent sidewalks (A), concrete bus stop walks (B) and crosswalk​ ramps (C). ​
  

• Any ice accumulations must b​​e treated within 18-​hours of forming with sand, salt or other substance, to prevent it from be​ing slippery. 

• The city is no​t responsible for clearing mailboxes (D) of snow and/or ice. ​
  

• Learn about the A2 Snow Match Program (see below) that pairs volunteers with residents in need of snow/ice-management assistance.
  

Non-residential property

• All snow and ice which has accumulated prior to 6 a.m. on a sidewalk adjacent to property not zoned residential shall be removed by the owner or occupant by noon the same day​. 

• The owner or occupant of the property shall also remove snow and ice from walks and ramps that ar​e at bus stops or that lead to a marked or unmarked crosswalk. 

• Provided that when ice has so formed upon any sidewalk, walk or ramp that it cannot be removed, then the owner or occupant shall keep the same effectively sprinkled with sand, salt or other suitable substance in such manner as to prevent the ice from being dangerous, until such time as it can be removed, and then it shall be promptly removed.​
  

Treating ice

​​Residents can get a free sand/salt mixture​ to help treat their sidewalks at various locations throughout the city. ​

Enforcement

Community standards is ready to help address concerns regarding snow and ice on sidewalks. 

Please call 734.794.6942 (Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–3:30 p.m.) or use A2 Fix It to report locations which may be in violation of the city snow removal ordinance. When calling, be prepared to leave your name and number in case staff requires additional information. Caller's names and numbers are kept in strict confidence, and are only used to process service requests. 

Upon reports of non-compliance, Community Standards will perform an inspection. If the inspection reveals a violation, we will then inspect the property to the right and to the left to ensure equitable treatment. Each address in violation will receive a "Sidewalk Snow Removal Notice," which is posted on the front door or conspicuous place on the building. The notice gives the resident or property owner 24 hours to correct the violation​. Special circumstances may be considered which may result in an increase in the amount of time allowed to bring a property into compliance. If, upon re-inspection, the necessary action has not been taken, we will cite the property owner. In some cases, the city may clear the sidewalk and bill the proper​ty owner. Copies of these city ordinances may be obtained by contacting the city clerk’s office at 734.794.6140 or online at Ann Arbor Code of Ordinances.

Snow Match Program:
​Become a volunteer or recipient​
Snow-covered sidewalks can be hazardous for everyone. The goal is to make sidewalks accessible for all ages and abilities. The City of Ann Arbor's Snow Match Program pairs residents with nearby neighbors who volunteer to assist them with snow removal on their sidewalks. Recipients of the volunteer services must be City residents 55+ years of age OR self-identify as having a disability; AND do not have resources (financial such as a hired service, or family, friends, neighbor, other) having a disability; AND do not have resources (financial such as a hired service, or family, friends, neighbor, other) nearby to assist with snow removal.

Along with fostering stronger community relationship and relieving some of the stress that comes from a snowfall or freeze, the Snow Match program aims to make our sidewalks SAFER for those who are outside during the winter including postal carriers, children/students, neighbors, and citizens using public transportation. The goal is to match volunteers with homes within a 10-minute walk from their location. Residents can register to volunteer and receive services beginning Sunday, Oct. 29. Questions? Email​ [email protected].

Click here to register if you want to be a volunteer shoveler or you are a homeowner/tenant that would like to have your home shoveled.