Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Posted by – Dale Mathes, Code Enforcement Officer

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?
In the lane snow is glistening
A beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight
Walking in a winter wonderland

When winter weather turns to snow, everyone seems to have differing reactions.  Some go skiing, snowmobiling, sledding … even sleigh riding!  Others just hang out at home by the fireplace and stay warm.  But at some point, everyone has to deal with those glistening, white-covered sidewalks.

In the City of Auburn Hills, if your property has a sidewalk, our Code of Ordinances outline the general requirements for timely removal of snow and ice.

Specifically, the occupant of a property (or if unoccupied, the owner) is responsible for clearing their sidewalks:

1. Within 12 hours – if the snow or ice falls during daylight hours.
2. By 6:00 p.m. the following day – if the snow or ice falls during the night.

If you’re unable to remove snow or ice from your sidewalk due to declining health or physical limitations, please let us know at 248-364-6934 so that we can arrange for assistance.

Timely snow removal is very important.  It makes life easier and safer for the elderly, kids walking to the bus stop or school, emergency personnel, and delivery people.  It’s also just the neighborly thing to do so that everyone can enjoy the winter wonderland.