Decorah tightens sidewalk snow-and-ice rules; council adds $20 administrative fee for city removal

The Decorah City Council on Jan. 5 adopted an amendment to Chapter 12.44 of the Decorah Municipal Code to clarify snow-and-ice enforcement for sidewalks.

Under the adopted language, property owners who receive notice that they are in violation have 24 hours to clear snow and ice; if they fail to do so, the city may hire a contractor to remove the snow and invoice the property owner for the cost incurred plus a $20 administrative fee. The ordinance allows a person who receives such a billing to request a hearing with the city council at least 15 days after mailing.

Staff cautioned the council about practical enforcement timelines: a contractor cited in the discussion proposed a rate of $175 per hour with a half-hour minimum, and because the city gives property owners 24 hours after snow has stopped before tagging a violation, there can be multi-day delays before contractor removal would occur. Council members discussed repeat offenders and the possibility of a volunteer program similar to Dubuque’s “Snow Angels” to help residents who need assistance clearing sidewalks.

Adopted on third reading by unanimous roll call, the ordinance clarifies the city’s enforcement tools while preserving due process for property owners.

Next steps: Public Works will coordinate the operational details for contractor use and billing; staff intends to publish the ordinance in the official newspaper as required.