KUSA - Many of you are still trudging on snowy and icy sidewalks. Residents and business owners are responsible for clearing their own sidewalks, and not doing so can actually carry a fine.
Residents have up to 24 hours to clear the snow. Business owners have just four hours to do it. Still, there are plenty of messy sidewalks all over the place.
The City of Denver will issue fines if a sidewalk is not cleared. So far, the city has sent out more than 300 noticies since Nov. 1, 2014. Those are distributed as warnings. The notices do not always result in fines.
The only reason it would result in a fine is if the property owner does not follow through with shoveling.
So far this season, no fines have been issued. The City of Denver also noted that driveways do not count under the need to be cleared.
Every season, the cities will send out flyers explaining the rules and responsibilities. Seniors and people with health issues who need help can sign up for a program that pairs them with volunteers. Neighbors are also encouraged to help each other out with shoveling.
Boulder gives their residents a break from the fines entirely. The city typically sends out a contractor to shovel the sidewalk. Residents cover the cost of the work plus a $50 fee.
Fort Collins gives residents one warning per season. After that, they have contractors clear people's sidewalks and charge the homeowners. There's a city fee of $53 tacked onto what the contractors charge. The average fee is about $100 total. Since Nov. 1, the City of Fort Collins has warned 945 homes and has had to clear 280 sidewalks.
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