City might ease sidewalk code for snow removal

SANDPOINT — The city’s policy on sidewalk snow removal could become less harsh if some city officials have their way.

While city code mandating that home and property owners be responsible for clearing snow and ice from their sidewalks, some aspects of its enforcement have perturbed city and elected officials — particularly one section that resulted in a lien against offending residents.

“I just think it’s onerous,” said Councilwoman Carrie Logan, who proposed the measure to the committee.

At a Public Works Committee meeting last Tuesday, members recommended to the full council that Section B of the city code, which describes the lien process, be removed.

Under the city code’s current provisions, home owners are responsible to maintain sidewalks along their property. Through combined effort and personal responsibility, the policy is meant to establish walkable sidewalk networks — a particularly important factor in the city’s goal to achieve compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The city also retains the ability to level fines on individuals who don’t comply with the requirement.

However, under Section B, the city is permitted to send staff members to clear the snow and ice off offending properties themselves. The owner of the property is then charged for the time required by staff to do the job themselves. That charge is leveled in the form of a lien against the property.

“I fully support Carrie’s proposition to remove Section B,” City Attorney Scot Campbell said. “I think we would be much better served by making the public aware that this is there responsibility and that we have the ability to enforce it.”

Although the removal of Section B will make the city code friendlier, officials have yet to establish a policy for clear sidewalk enforcement. One possible solution is to start in commercial districts. Afterward, city officials could determine a plan of action for residential zones. In a City Council meeting when the issue was last discussed, Public Works Director Kody Van Dyk agreed that focusing on commercial zones was more realistic and friendlier to the public.