City of Kalamazoo Could Charge You for Snow Removal In Proposed Ordinance Updates

The Kalamazoo City Commission is considering a change in policy when it comes to clearing snow from the sidewalks in the community, and it could soon cost YOU money, if they have to come and clear your sidewalks for you.

Currently, the city policy is only strongly encouraging local residents and businesses to clear the sidewalks in front of their places, so foot traffic can flow normally, despite any significant, or measurable snowfall. But that isn't working, even with the threat of fines and legal proceedings... and according to one study, a more direct, and decisive touch might be needed.

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In 2022, Kalamazoo participated in a program with the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation, through Johns Hopkins University, to create a proactive sidewalk management strategy in the winter. We were one of 13 international cities selected to participate, and through the program, staff would be able to communicate with one another to address key issues facing the residents of their cities.

The results from this program would then be applied to the Imagine Kalamazoo 2025 Master Plan in helping create "Complete Neighborhoods."

But the problem is, residents didn't seem to be willing participants in the Bloomberg Study, or, just clearing their sidewalks in general.

According to the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation insights, Kalamazoo's "vision for a Connected City is incomplete, without better tactics for getting the word out about the ordinance and gaining more residence compliance with it."

It also showed that, "drivers hold a higher value status in the community than non-drivers," and, "The apparent lack of action by the City on Ordinance complaints gives the perception that the City is ineffective."

But maybe the most damning insight proposed that, "The City is acting in a hypocritical manner when it chooses not to clear the snow from its sidewalks."

What is the current ordinance?

The City of Kalamazoo lists in its laws that snow accumulated on sidewalks of property owners must be cleared within 48 hours after the accumulation has ended. If this isn't met, the owner will receive a $50 fine that increases with each offense, and could lead to possible court proceedings.

The other option the city has, is they technically have the capacity to clear the sidewalks themselves after 48 hours, and the bill would then be sent to the property owner. But, the proper infrastructure hasn't been in place for this to be a viable option, and is rarely used, according to what was said during the August. 12 Commission meeting.

What Changes are Being Proposed?

Commissioners were presented with a plan that WOULD see proper funding for the second option, which would solve two things - it would ensure the sidewalks get cleared, and it would do it quickly, and efficiently.

No matter what, property owners would have their sidewalks cleared within 48 hours, and they would be sent the bill. It also reduces the amount of time and effort put into inspections, filing the paperwork for the fines, and potential legal action.

Other changes include that ONLY the property owner would be responsible for the snow removal - so in the case of rental properties, the occupant cannot be held responsible for not clearing the sidewalks, unless the property owner makes it clear in their lease agreement.

The new ordinance update also clarifies what "clear" means, which is down to the pavement, the full width of the sidewalk, and includes snow AND ice removal.

There would also be a new $100 fine for removing snow to the right-of-way.

In addition to ordinance changes for residents, the City of Kalamazoo would also be held more accountable for their own sidewalk clearing. They would clear priority sidewalks, which includes priority routes, and procure funding for snow removal. They'll also do a better job of determining which sidewalks they're responsible for, and hold themselves as accountable as they do residents.

Ideally, this would eliminate the "hypocrisy" that the study identified, and it would show action on the part of the City in dealing with ordinance complaints.

The full discussion and presentation on the ordinance change can be seen in the video below from the Aug. 12th City Commission Meeting. At this time, no changes have been made, it's been left open for discussion, but could soon become the new law of the land.