When the wintry weather whirls into Owatonna, a veil of snow envelopes our sidewalks, and with it comes the duty—mandated by City Ordinance 94.005—for property owners to ensure these pathways remain clear. This ordinance isn’t just about clearing a path; it’s about upholding the safety and accessibility of our community within the 24-hour period following a snowfall's end.

Non-compliance with this ordinance starts a process of official notice and subsequent inspections based on community reports. Should property owners neglect this obligation, a written notice from the city outlines a 24-hour window for snow removal—failure to comply pulls into play a city-contracted removal service at the owner’s expense.

The cost? It isn’t just the inconvenience of waiting for the sidewalks to clear. Should the city intervene, property owners will be charged an administrative fee beginning at $40 for the first violation, escalating to $60 and $80 for repeated disregard. Additional contractor clearing costs are calculated based on various items—from the base price for removal at $135, to salting and sanding per linear foot at $.60. The snow might be free, but its removal is not.

Consider this your motivation to be proactive by reporting any uncleared sidewalks via SeeClickFix or calling 507-444-4350. Not just for compliance, but for care—care for the pedestrians bracing against the chilled air, for the children skipping through winter's wonder, and for those among us who find the snow not a delight but a barrier.

In Owatonna, we should champion the collective effort to maintain the safety and mobility of everyone who calls this frosty city home. This ordinance is more than a rule; it’s a reflection of our commitment to one another.