URBANA, Ill. (Chambana Today) — The City of Urbana declared its sidewalk snow and ice removal requirement in effect at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 15, following a winter storm that left ice and more than two inches of snow on public sidewalks.

The requirement applies to the Downtown, University and South Philo Road snow removal districts. Under city ordinance, adjacent property owners in those areas must clear public sidewalks within 24 hours of the declaration, meaning sidewalks must be cleared by 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16.

City officials said the action is necessary to ensure safe pedestrian travel. Sidewalks that are not brought into compliance by the deadline may be cleared by the city, with the cost billed to the adjacent property owner. Additional fines and administrative fees may also apply.

Maps of the designated snow removal districts, along with information on acceptable snow and ice abatement methods and details of the ordinance, are available on the City of Urbana’s website. Areas added to the ordinance by City Council action on Nov. 4, 2019, are included in this enforcement period.

While the requirement applies only to the designated districts, city officials encouraged property owners outside those areas to voluntarily clear sidewalks adjacent to their properties as soon as possible to help improve pedestrian safety.

The city also reminded residents and contracted snowplow operators that it is illegal to plow or deposit snow from private property onto public streets or sidewalks. Violations of that ordinance may result in fines.