Council advances first reading of sidewalk snow-and-ice ordinance after public hearing

The Billings City Council held a public hearing Oct. 13 and voted for first reading of an ordinance amending BMCC section 22-406 governing removal of snow, ice and similar impediments from sidewalks.

Tina Hoger, a city presenter, told council that the proposed red-line and clean versions were in the packet and that staff had reviewed prior August discussions. She said the city has not historically assessed property owners under this code and that any future assessment process would operate similarly to weed assessments — an option to be retained in the code for potential future use.

Council members asked how the city would perform assessments and whether the city would clear sidewalks in cases of extenuating circumstances such as illness. Hoger said the current practice is to hang a 24-hour notice and that staff typically achieve compliance; citations are available but rarely used. Council member Kennedy said he would vote against the ordinance, citing concern that sidewalks blocked by street plows could lead to unfair assessments.