Following the second snowfall of the 2025-26 winter season, the City of Iowa City is reminding residents to clear their sidewalks. Under City ordinance, sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours of the snowstorm ending in the early morning hours of Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025.

Clearing sidewalks now will make removal much easier than tackling it later. With cold temperatures expected, residents are encouraged to dress in layers and take breaks indoors while shoveling.

The City also encourages neighbors to lend a hand when possible, whether helping clear sidewalks or driveways, shoveling around fire hydrants, or removing snow from curb cuts.

Snow and ice removal requirements

To ensure the well-being of neighbors and those who require sidewalk access for commutes to work, school, and other needs, snow should be cleared within 24 hours of a one-inch or greater snowfall, or after any accumulation of ice has ended.

During winter, temperatures can rise above freezing during the day and melt snow away, then cool back down at night, creating an icy layer. Please be sure to check that sidewalks remain cleared of ice, as well as snow. Doing so helps protect the many pedestrians who use sidewalks daily in Iowa City. Those who do not remove snow and ice could face a fine; something we all want to avoid.

Sidewalk regulations

Property owners are responsible for clearing ice and snow from all sidewalks that abut their property.

• Sidewalks must be cleared the full width, down to the concrete.
• Renters should check their leases to determine whether the landlord or the tenant is responsible for snow and ice removal.

Keep curb ramps and crosswalks accessible

Residents are encouraged to keep curb ramps and crosswalks clear whenever possible. Snow and ice buildup in these areas creates barriers for people with limited mobility, as well as children walking to and from school. Shoveling a few extra feet at the end of your sidewalk helps keep pathways safe and accessible for all.

Reporting snowy or icy sidewalks

Contact the City to report a property where the adjacent public sidewalk has not been cleared:

• Download the free ICGovXpress mobile app for your smartphone or tablet.
• Visit www.icgov.org/ICgovXpress
• Call the complaint hotline at 319-356-5152

Complaints must be specific and include an address for staff to respond.

Penalties

If the City receives a complaint about an uncleared sidewalk, an inspector will verify the issue and leave a notification tag at the property. A Notice of Violation will also be mailed to the property owner, providing an additional 24 hours to clear the sidewalk. If the pavement is not cleared by the deadline, the City will hire a private contractor to remove the snow, and the property owner will be billed for the service, plus a $100 administrative fee. Only one notification is issued per snow season; any subsequent violations at that property will be cleared by the City without further notice.