EAST LANSING, Mich. — Property owners are reminded to keep the City of East Lansing’s snow and ice removal requirements in mind this winter.
Snow that accumulates before noon on a sidewalk must be cleared by midnight that same day and snow that accumulates after noon must be cleared by midnight the following day. Salt, sand or another abrasive must be applied to ice within 12 hours of formation. Additionally, a new ordinance went into effect on October 1, 2014 to address multiple days of continuous or consecutive snowfall. Under Ord. 1326, property owners are required to clear sidewalks by the above stated times or within 48 hours of the beginning of a snowfall for snow showers that occur on more than one consecutive day, whichever is sooner.
“When in doubt, shovel every day,” said Parking & Code Enforcement (PACE) Supervisor Eldon Evans. “Even if the snow continues to fall over consecutive days, property owners should still go out and shovel within 48 hours to address the accumulation.”
Each day an owner fails to clear a sidewalk is a separate offense, which could result in multiple citations. Currently, the East Lansing 54B District Court assesses $85 in fines and costs per citation. Failure to comply in a timely fashion may also constitute a public nuisance, requiring abatement by the City with all costs assessed to the property owner.
“We are asking everyone with property in East Lansing to be good neighbors this winter, whether they are residents, business owners or landlords/tenants,” said East Lansing City Manager George Lahanas. “If everyone acts in accordance with the requirements, the East Lansing community will remain safe and passable throughout the winter months.”
Property owners can visit www.cityofeastlansing.com/snowremoval for additional information, including a Snow Removal One Pager Plus FAQ. (PDF)