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Council adopts updated snow-and-ice ordinance to clarify expectations and fees
Summary
The council unanimously adopted Ordinance 25-06 updating Title 7, Chapter 2, Section 2 of the Whitefish City Code to require sidewalks and shared paths be kept "reasonably clear," add business-district specifics, and set a $60–$300 administrative fee range for city removal.
The Whitefish City Council on June 2 adopted Ordinance 25-06 revising the city’s snow- and ice-removal code (Title 7, Chapter 2, Section 2).
Parks and Recreation Director Maria (surname not specified in the transcript) presented the staff report and said the revisions clarify the city’s expectations and enforcement procedure for private property owners. The ordinance replaces language that required sidewalks and paths to be ‘‘free and clear’’ of accumulations with a more attainable standard requiring sidewalks and paths to be "reasonably clear of accumulations of snow and ice and passable for pedestrians." Staff emphasized the change is meant to set a realistic expectation for Montana winter conditions while reducing municipal liability and increasing enforceability.
Key changes: the update adds commercial zones that were omitted in the previous language, explicitly lists boulevard areas in business districts as areas to be cleared, authorizes mitigations for managing snow buildup, notes that some de-icers can damage new sidewalks or street trees, and revises administrative billing language. The ordinance sets an administrative-fee structure for contractor removal with a $60 minimum and a $300 maximum to better match staff time and encourage compliance.
Public hearing: a public hearing was advertised and held; no substantive objections were sustained in the meeting record. After staff presentation the council voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance 25-06.
Implementation: staff said they will proceed with the updated enforcement steps (door-hanger or mailed notice prior to contracting removal), and the new fee schedule will apply to administrative costs the city recovers when it hires contractors to clear obstructing snow or ice.
Why it matters: the revision aims to clarify obligations for property owners while giving staff clearer tools to manage public rights of way during winter months and a predictable administrative fee structure for cost recovery.
