I can’t recommend any part of St. Paul as walkable in the winter. Even though the law says the sidewalks have to be cleared some of the snow that fell on Tuesday will remain on the sidewalks until spring. It will be packed down and icy as it freezes and thaws.
The snow-packed sidewalks create a kind of winter hellscape for people who need to walk.
There are businesses that don’t clear the sidewalks. Shame on them.
Shoveling snow is hard work. There are people who can not shovel and who struggle to pay for snow shoveling. If someone like that lives on your block help them if you can.
There ought to be a law . . . oh wait there is a law:
Saint Paul City Ordinance requires snow and ice to be removed from sidewalks within 24 hours; read Chapter 113and Chapter 114 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code for more information.
The city website even has a “how-to” section for people who do not know how to properly remove the snow from the walk.
To report a sidewalk that’s a safety hazard and needs shoveling, contact the Department of Safety and Inspections at 651-266-8989.
The city will remove the snow and send the bill to the property owner. (I doubt this ever happens)
It is important to remember that the snow removal ordinance applies to property owned by businesses, rental property, condominiums, townhouses, and the sidewalks in front of vacant houses. There isn’t any exemption for houses that are not occupied or businesses that do not have entryways along the sidewalk.
Please be a good neighbor and keep your sidewalk safe and free of snow and ice. If your neighbor can not shovel and you can shovel their walk too.
