City reminds property owners to clear sidewalks

With the recent winter weather, the city of Blaine is reminding the public that property owners are responsible for removing snow, ice and other debris from sidewalks.

This is pursuant to the Blaine Municipal Code, which states that when the obstruction of a sidewalk consists of ice, snow or other accumulated material, the adjacent property owner must remove such material from the sidewalk within 24 hours.

The municipal code also states that when ice, snow or other material remains on a sidewalk for more than 48 hours, it can be declared a public nuisance. The public works department can then clear the sidewalk and charge the offending property owner for the cost of removal.

“We want to make sure all residents are as safe as possible when traveling our streets and sidewalks this season,” said public works director Ravyn Whitewolf in a February 8 press release. “We appreciate everyone’s assistance, as crews are focused on arterials and school bus routes.”

After snow began falling on February 8, city crews removed snow from major roads and cleared curbside catch basins. In its press release, the city asked residents to notify its public works department if they see any areas with sitting water that is not draining.