AKRON, Ohio — Many northeast Ohio cities have rules in place that require sidewalks to be cleared after large winter storms, however those rules are not always enforced.
The City of Akron is among the municipalities that have a law in place to compel property owners to clear sidewalks. Akron requires snow to be removed within 24 hours or face a bill from the city for its removal.
Although the National Weather Service recorded 15 inches of snow in Akron on Jan. 16-17, city officials said that the city did not do any snow removal from private sidewalks.
The city of Lakewood said that 180 homes have been issued door tags so far this winter.
Mayor Meghan F. George said there is a 65% compliance rate after sending out notices.
“The challenge is that we understand there are many seniors or those with accessibility isues that are unable to clear their sidewalks,” George said. “So we try to find a balance between enforcement and understanding of unique situations.”
George said that residents unable to shovel or clear a path are directed to LakewoodAlive, a community nonprofit organization.
“We understand the complexities of snow removal for property owners and go about this understanding unique situations may arise,” George added.
The City of Cleveland requires sidewalks to be cleared by 9 a.m. every morning by the owner, occupant or property manager. City code says that the city may remove the snow at the expense of the owner. Those who fail to pay for the snow and ice removal may face liens.
A City of Cleveland spokesperson did not have any information on whether the city enforced this rule following last month’s storm.
There is now a statewide law requiring property owners to clear their sidewalks. Some cities in northeast Ohio, including Parma and Canton, also require snow to be removed from sidewalks. Some municipalities, like Youngstown, require sidewalks to be cleared in certain sections of the city.
Additionally, in a 1993 Ohio Supreme Court case Brinkman v. Ross, the court found that a property owner is generally not liable if someone slips and falls because of an unshoveled path.
“However, a homeowner would be liable if someone decides to sue as a result of tripping over a crack or other irregularity on a homeowner’s walkway. Also, if someone slips on ice that was formed because of a poorly positioned down spout, the homeowner could be held liable,” said the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness.
