Not Shoveling Your Sidewalks in St. Cloud Could Affect Your Property Taxes

I don't know about you, but if it's nice enough to run or even walk outside and sidewalks are not shoveled, it can get very annoying and treacherous.  And being that I live on a corner, I have a lot of sidewalk to clear.  And it's a pain in the butt, not to mention the back and freezing outside while shoveling.

Everyone needs to do their part and clear their portion of a sidewalk.  People are usually pretty good about it, but not everyone.  And when you have to be outside, maybe to walk the dog, or just getting some exercise having the sidewalk cleared is a big deal.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS

If we get a storm that drops a bunch of snow. like what we just had, the city of St. Cloud will give you 24 hours to clear your sidewalks.  Your driveway is up to you, but the sidewalks are used by everyone, so you need to do your part.  And if you don't - there are penalties.

• Shovel sidewalks on all sides of your property, the full width of the sidewalk.
• Remove ice to bare pavement and treat with salt or sand, if needed.
• If you have corner property, clear curb cuts at corners and crosswalks to the street gutter to facilitate handicap accessibility.
• Pile snow into your yard and boulevard. It's against the law to shovel snow into streets and alleys.
• Make arrangements for someone to take over while you are away.

WHAT CAN HAPPEN IF YOU DON'T CLEAR YOUR SIDEWALKS

If you don't clear your sidewalks within the requred amount of time, the city of St. Cloud may come and do it for you.  If this happens, you will be billed for that service.  And if you don't comply and pay, there could be some additions for non payment along with other fines and penalties added to your property taxes.  They will get their money whether you actively pay the bill or not.  You will wind up paying in some way.

Best to get the snow removed before the plows come through and somehow turn that fluffy snow into cement.  Anyone else notice that?

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