What are the snow removal regulations?

Property owners and residents are urged to do their best to keep their sidewalks near their property shoveled.  

Owners or occupants of properties must remove snow and ice from the public sidewalk within 24 hours after the end of any accumulation of snow or ice.

Non-compliance may result in a ticket and the Neighborhood Services & Enforcement inspector may issue a ticket for each day the snow is not removed.

When do inspectors ticket for snow?

Inspectors will monitor their neighborhoods for issues 24 hours after the end of a snow or ice accumulation. Inspectors give priority to areas around schools, downtown, and the main corridors (Lincolnway, Main St, Western, Portage, etc). 

What if I am unable to remove snow from my property?

While it is still the responsibility of the owner/occupant to remove the snow, any city resident who is unable to shovel snow from public sidewalks is eligible to complete a Snow Removal Disability Exemption and Waiver of Liability form.

This form provides written verification of disability and allows the disabled party to be exempt from Neighborhood Services & Enforcement snow violation citations. However, it is still the responsibility of the owner/occupant to remove the snow. 

This form can be completed anytime during the year.  It can be done online, in person, or by mail.

For more information go to this link to the Snow Waiver form or contact 311.

How do I get more information on Snow Removal Regulations?

To get more information, go to South Bend Municipal Code Section 18-7.

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We can create a service request to have the form mailed to the resident. One can also be picked up on the 5th floor of the City Hall.

311 Process Notes

Please complete a CRM service request with specific address for NSE to review the area. Most reports will be for unshoveled sidewalks or individuals plowing snow into a public right of way. 

Please let the resident know that priority areas are monitored first: schools, downtown, main corridors. 

The City of South Bend does not plow alleys. It is the responsibility of the adjacent property owners to maintain alleys throughout the year, not just with snow removal.