Although this Michigan winter has not been as snowy compared to most, it is still important to stay familiar with snow removal laws. Tom Sinas, Grand Rapids personal injury attorney, the West Michigan community on how to remove snow legally.
Local Snow Removal Laws
State law defers snow removal ordinances to local governments. It is important to check with local government ordinances to see which snow removal laws impact where you reside. Although state law hands authority to local governments, Michigan state law requires that a person shall not remove snow onto the roadway, or its shoulder. In doing so, it can impact drivers and restrict their vision. Failure to remove snow into proper places, clear of the side walk or roadway, can result in fines to the owner or occupant of the residence.
24-Hour Snow Removal
Most communities allow the owner or occupant of the residence 24 hours following accumulation to have walkways clear of snow or ice. Grand Rapids residents are required to clear accumulation from public sidewalks within a 24-hour period. A city must notify the owner or occupant of their responsibility to remove the accumulation before taking enforcement action. The city will contact residents via phone, person, by posting on site, or by mail. If residents fail to remove all accumulation from public sidewalks, the owner of the property can face fines. The city will hire a third-party to remove the snow and ice. The owner/occupant is then responsible for that fee. The current rate for third-party snow removal by the city is $25 for every 15 minutes of labor, and a $95 administration fee.
For more information, head to sinasdramis.com.
