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Clark Township adopts ordinance requiring full-width sidewalk snow removal
Summary
Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 26-05 clarifying that property owners must clear the entire width and length of sidewalks abutting their property; council and counsel said crosswalk responsibility follows prior practice and enforcement questions remain for seniors and corner properties.
Council President Smith and the Township Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 26-05 on March 2, 2026, amending section 310-30 of the township code to require property owners to clear the full width and length of sidewalks abutting their land of snow and ice.
The measure was the subject of a public hearing in which residents raised concerns about enforcement timing, senior residents’ ability to comply, and whether municipal plows that re-deposit snow on sidewalks or curb aprons would leave homeowners responsible for re-clearing. Delia (a resident who spoke during the hearing) asked whether there would be a time limit after a property owner cleared snow and the plow later returned it; Mayor Albanese said he would verify corner responsibilities and that property owners on corners are generally responsible for adjacent crosswalks and fire hydrants.
Township counsel said the change removes the imprecise phrase “traveled path” and clarifies that the ordinance’s intent is consistency: owners are responsible for the entire width and length of a sidewalk in front of their property. Counsel added that the prior ordinance was silent on crosswalks and that preexisting practices will carry forward; the attorney offered to consult the administrator if the town needs to assume responsibility for crosswalk approaches.
After a brief discussion the council closed the hearing, moved to adopt the ordinance and approved it by roll call. The clerk recorded unanimous votes in favor and declared the ordinance adopted.
The ordinance’s adoption follows the council’s stated priorities for pedestrian safety, accessibility for emergency personnel and for residents using mobility devices. The council did not set additional enforcement timelines during the meeting; residents asked about tickets, signage and options such as painted curbs or targeted patrols as possible enforcement and deterrence measures.
The council also noted that residents who need assistance can discuss options with the administration; the mayor offered to meet with residents to walk through specific concerns.
