City Stresses Snow Removal Ordinance Heading into Winter Season

The City of Glasgow is reminding residents that the city requires that homeowners, tenants and business owners clear the snow from sidewalks adjacent to their properties during the winter months.

In a statement provided to The Courier the city said, “Responding to winter weather conditions requires a collaboration between the City and its citizens. The City strives to continuously improve operations to best serve citizens and appreciates all of the hard work that goes into clearing the snow and ice from our homes and businesses. The City would like to take this opportunity to highlight and summarize the Glasgow City Ordinances Sec. 17-22 through Sec. 17-24 regarding snow removal.”

“Section 17-22. It is the duty of property/lot owners to clear their sidewalks of snow and ice before the hour of 9:00 a.m. every day when necessary, and to keep the sidewalk reasonably free from snow and ice during the daytime. If weather conditions render the sidewalk dangerous, unsafe, or difficult to walk on, it is the property/lot owners duty to remedy the hazard by sprinkling abrasive material such as sand, or by applying de-icing agents, or by chipping, or by other safe and efficient methods. Section 17-23. It is unlawful for any person to deposit or cause to be deposited any accumulation of snow, ice and/or slush from private property onto or against any fire hydrant, street, alley, or sidewalk.”

“For additional information, and to read the full text of the ordinances, please visit http://www.cityofglasgowmt.com/ and click on the link to “Documents”, followed by “City Code.” The City Office is located at 319 3rd St. S., Glasgow, MT 59230. Please dial (406) 228-2476 to reach City personnel.”

According to the full city ordinance, any person who fails to clear their sidewalks after 24 hours of notice from the director of public works or city police department and “forces” the city to clear the snow instead is liable for the cost of that removal. The costs are a minimum of $25 for a half hour of work and after the first half hour the rate is $50 an hour plus an administrative fee of $35.

Any person found to have violated the ordinance could be convicted of a misdemeanor under Montana Code.