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Council adopts new sidewalk snow-clearing ordinance for key pedestrian routes
Summary
Council adopted an ordinance requiring property owners to clear sidewalks on city-designated snow routes (and US 27) when 3 inches or more of snow falls; owners have 24 hours after the event to clear a 4-foot path, and the city may clear and bill if owners fail to act.
Oxford City Council voted to adopt a revised municipal ordinance focused on sidewalk snow removal for high-pedestrian routes. The measure amends the current code to require clearing when 3 inches or more of snow accumulates on designated city snow routes and on U.S. 27.
Under the adopted language, property owners or occupants must clear sidewalks to a 4-foot-wide surface down to concrete within 24 hours after the end of a qualifying snow event. The ordinance adds an administrative fee (40% of removal cost) when the city or its contractor must clear sidewalks and assess the cost back to the property owner.
Jessica (staff) explained the changes are intended to implement a council priority to improve pedestrian safety: "This will accomplish that goal to improve snow removal on high pedestrian sidewalks," she said, noting staff will report back on progress in March and at year-end.
During discussion, residents and councilors raised practical concerns about enforcement and expected timelines for contractor response after the 24-hour period. Steve Chaffin, a property owner on a snow route, urged the council to rely on existing property-maintenance code enforcement mechanisms and expressed concern that the new duty could be unworkable for some homeowners who face high demand for contractors after major storms.
Councilors said the ordinance strikes a balance between encouraging voluntary compliance and providing the city a backstop for persistent noncompliance. Council members noted the city will prioritize road clearing and major pedestrian routes first and then schedule sidewalk contractor work as resources allow.
Council approved the ordinance by roll call vote. Staff said they will send outreach materials to property owners ahead of next winter, and city crews and contractors will coordinate to limit duplicate work after plowing.
