Message to all property owners in Chicago (home, neighborhood)

[Avengerfire]

"Don't forget to shovel the snow. Chicago City Ordinances require that every owner, lessee, tenant, occupant or other person having charge of any building or lot of ground in the city abutting upon any public way or public place remove the snow and ice from the sidewalk in front of such building or lot of ground.

You only have to remove a 5-foot width. In case the snow and ice on the sidewalk is frozen so hard that it cannot be removed without injury to the pavement, use ashes, sand, sawdust, or some similar suitable material as soon thereafter as the weather permits.

The snow which falls or accumulates during the day (excepting Sundays) before 4PM must be removed within three hours. For snow on Sunday or after 4PM and during the night on other days, it must be be removed before 10AM."

This is the law folks. Not only does it make you a better community member, it lowers the chance you will get sued by an injured person or fined by the city.

Thank you.

Source:Lake View Citizens Council.

[davidnonato]

The city has become so oppressive, they make all these dumb laws, whatever happened to if you fall dust off and get up again. Now it's if you fall you can sue anyone for not being careful.
As far as I am concerned I have voiced my disapproval to my alderman for such law

[Irishtom29]

Originally Posted by davidnonato

The city has become so oppressive, they make all these dumb laws, whatever happened to if you fall dust off and get up again. Now it's if you fall you can sue anyone for not being careful.
As far as I am concerned I have voiced my disapproval to my alderman for such law

You mean property owners shouldn't have to shovel the sidewalks? So I suppose you'd rather the city do it? Good idea, it'll put some people to work. Taxes might go up to pay for it though.

[ToriaT]

The city has become oppressive?? Thats because years ago all the old bubbies would be out at the crack of dawn shoveling the snow and sweeping the sidewalks and stoops. Nobody had to tell them to do it.

[Attrill]

Shoveling your sidewalk is simply a basic part of being a good neighbor. If you don't understand that, move.

[aragx6]

I kind of love that no one even bothered to respond to AF's OP -- you know, 4+ years ago.

[Chi-town Native]

Originally Posted by davidnonato

The city has become so oppressive, they make all these dumb laws, whatever happened to if you fall dust off and get up again. Now it's if you fall you can sue anyone for not being careful.

Urban legend alert:

10-8-190 Liability for civil damages.

Any person who removes snow or ice from the public sidewalk or street, shall not, as a result of his acts or omissions in such removal, be liable for civil damages. This section does not apply to acts or omissions amounting to wilful or wanton misconduct in such snow or ice removal.

[Vlajos]

I feel very oppressed by this City Ordinance....

[myrc60]

I hope those able bodied through the neighborhood are helping those that physically can't meet this ordinance. Helping others...

[knitgirl]

Originally Posted by Avengerfire

The snow which falls or accumulates during the day (excepting Sundays) before 4PM must be removed within three hours. For snow on Sunday or after 4PM and during the night on other days, it must be be removed before 10AM."

So are you supposed to leave work early to shovel your snow to get it done during a 3 hr deadline???? Is this every snowfall? You get an inch of snow at 9:00 am., you have to run home on your lunch hour to shovel? That's not very well thought out. And if it's such a hazard why should you get an exemption on Sunday?