Change in ordinance could leave homeowners with more time to shovel

Fargo, ND (WDAY TV) - We hate to talk about it, but snow is coming and changes could also be coming to the city of Fargo’s sidewalk snow removal ordinance. It could allow you more time to shovel.

Right now, the city's ordinance allows sidewalk enforcers to give residents one of these red reminders after 9 o'clock the night of a snow, but this upcoming winter, that could be changing.

Public Works Manager Al Weigel says the city's current sidewalk ordinance is unrealistic and unenforceable. So there are changes in the works. City commissioners are being asked to allow residents and businesses more time to shovel sidewalks clear.

They're considering either 24 or 48 hours after a snow event. The city itself has more than a hundred public sidewalks to clear and they themselves usually don't be the current 9 o'clock deadline.

The city's sidewalk ordinance is enforced based on complaints only. They don't send out crews looking for violators. That means if there's a trouble spot you need to call the city and let them know.

City commissioners will decide on the new sidewalk ordinance at an upcoming commission meeting.