CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — The City of Champaign has activated its Sidewalk Snow Removal Ordinance for the Downtown, Midtown, and Campustown areas after more than two inches of snow fell Monday night, triggering requirements for property owners to clear pedestrian pathways.

According to city officials, records show that Champaign received at least two inches of snow during the Monday evening and overnight snowfall. Under the ordinance, sidewalks in designated districts must be cleared within 24 hours of an official declaration by the Public Works Director.

The compliance period begins at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, December 2, meaning sidewalks must be cleared no later than 10 a.m. on Wednesday, December 3.

Sidewalks must be cleared to the full width of the sidewalk or 48 inches, whichever is less. Properties on street corners must also clear corner ramps to maintain continuous passage from block to block. Sidewalks not brought into compliance may be cleared by the City at the property owner’s expense.

City officials emphasized that these requirements are in place to keep walkways safe for pedestrians, including those using mobility aids or other multimodal transportation.

A map of the Downtown and Campustown areas, along with the full Sidewalk Snow Removal Ordinance, is available at champaignil.gov/snow.

Residents and businesses are also reminded not to push snow into City streets, as doing so creates dangerous conditions for drivers. While the ordinance applies only to specific districts, Welcome to Champaign County Regional Planning Commission

The City also urges residents and businesses located along designated Safe Routes to School to keep sidewalks accessible to ensure safe passage for students and families. See the online Safe Route maps.