Sidewalk Snow Removal Requirements in Wisconsin

Sidewalk Snow and Ice Removal

• City and county laws vary on when to remove snow from sidewalks following a snowstorm. In Madison, Wisconsin, for example, the owner or tenant of a property must clear a walking path by noon the next day. In Oshkosh, Wisconsin, residents have 24 hours, once the snow has stopped falling, to clear sidewalks of ice and snow. Sand, salt or other non-skid material must be used to remove or reduce ice hazards.

"No Snow" Areas

• Plowed, shoveled and blown snow may not be deposited near fire hydrants or into streets, alleyways, doorways, parking lots, right-of-ways or other people's driveways or sidewalks. Snow must also be removed from ramps for the disabled and private crosswalks. Wisconsin city or township ordinances may cite property owners for violations.

Penalties

• Wisconsin cities, townships and villages may levy fines and penalties against building owners, tenants or residents who do not remove snow and ice from sidewalks, parking lots, ramps or other public areas of their properties. Municipalities that remove snow and ice from public paths on private property may charge a fee to the landowner, which, if not paid within 30 days, is subject to interest and further financial penalties, including a tax lien.

Renters' Responsibilities

• Tenants of apartment buildings, single or duplex houses, condominiums and other rented structures may be responsible for snow removal around their homes or businesses. Many large-scale apartment buildings are maintained by rental companies, but snow removal, lawn mowing and other types of property maintenance for single-family homes and businesses may be the tenant's responsibility. Wisconsin's landlord-tenant law does not specify who is responsible for snow removal -- the property owner or the renter. The lease or rental contract typically includes that information.