City of Saline, Michigan

Winter brings snow and with it such enjoyable activities as skiing, snow boarding and sledding.

That same snow, however, can also be hazardous if left on certain areas, particularly sidewalks.

Therefore, the City of Saline has ordinances that seek to ensure that snow, as well as ice, is removed from sidewalks in order to reduce the likelihood of injuries to pedestrians.

Since winter brings snow and ice to Saline, an ordinance requires people in charge or control of any building(s) or lot(s) which fronts a paved sidewalk to remove any ice or snow from the sidewalk to form an open path of at least 42” in width.

In business districts, the snow or ice must be removed within four hours of when the snow or accumulation stops or by the beginning of business hours on the next day, whichever period is shorter.

In all other zoning districts, snow or ice must be removed within twenty-four hours (24) hours after the snow or accumulations ends. Subsequent drifting of snow on sidewalks must also be removed.

The ordinance also provides that if the snow or ice cannot be removed without the possibility of causing damage to the sidewalk, sand or other abrasives must be used until the weather permits removal without the likelihood of damage to sidewalk.

People who fail to comply with the ordinance will be issued a Civil Infraction Violation. Civil Infraction Violation fines are $25 for the first offense, $50 for a second repeat offense within one year, and $100 for a third and each subsequent repeat offense within one year. In addition, the City may clear sidewalks, and the property owner will be charged for the work performed. The minimum fee for the City to remove the snow is $75 per visit and $30 per visit to treat ice. Costs to clear your sidewalk are in addition to the civil infraction violation fine. Property owners may not be notified in advance of the City clearing their sidewalks.

Vacations, business trips, and other obligations that require you to be away from your home do not exempt you from sidewalk snow removal. To avoid civil fines and removal costs, property owners should make arrangements to have their sidewalks cleared when away from the home for more than a day.

Senior Citizens: If you need assistance with snow removal and/or need a contractor to remove snow, contact the Saline Area Senior Center at 429-9274 for a list of possible volunteers or contractors who will remove sidewalk snow for a fee.

Another reminder: It is unlawful to plow or place any snow upon any sidewalk or street or around a fire hydrant. Plowing, blowing, or shoveling snow from your drive approach to the street is dangerous for motorists. Place snow windrowed in your driveway from city snowplows to your lawn extension, not the street.

We encourage all property owners to maintain their sidewalks. Everyone’s cooperation is needed to abate the hazards caused when sidewalks are not cleared of snow and ice. If you should have any questions, please contact the Department of Public Works Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM at 429-5624.