Do You Legally Have to Clear the Snow From in Front of Your House in Southern Idaho

Not everyone is happy about it, but we finally got a blanket of snow in Southern Idaho. The day has been warming up and melting a lot of it from the roads and walkways. But earlier today, the roads and sidewalks were slippery in many locations and required plow and shovel removal.

I don’t mind shoveling a little bit of snow, but there are some people who refuse to shovel the snow from the sidewalks in front of their homes. They either don’t want to, don’t see the need, or think it’s someone else’s problem. But, is it?

Do You Legally Have to Clear Snow in Front of Your House in Idaho

If you ask the ‘legal team’ on internet social media groups and forums, you’ll get a variety of answers, but if you want the facts, we looked at the city code for Twin Falls. It turns out that whether you want to or not, you do legally have to remove snow (ice, weeds, and rubbish too) from sidewalks and alleys that touch your property.

Every owner, tenant, or occupant of the premises abutting or adjoining any sidewalk or alley in the City shall be required to remove all snow, ice, and rubbish from any such sidewalks and all rubbish from such alleys.

Shovel the Snow From Your Sidewalks in Twin Falls, ID, or Else

Additionally, if you refuse to clear the walkways near your home, the city will step in and charge you the costs for removal.

Should any owner, tenant or occupant of premises abutting or adjoining any sidewalk in the City fail or neglect to remove such snow or ice from the sidewalk, then said City by its proper officers or employees may remove such snow or ice and assess the cost of such removal against the adjoining and abutting premises and the same shall be a lien thereon.

That being said, on a day like today, where the snow didn’t stick for very long, can you wait it out to see if it melts before a city enforcer comes along? Yes, you can, but is that a risk you want to take for a slippery quarter-inch of snow?

Also, another reminder about snow and rubbish removal, you can’t legally throw that snow into the street. I’ve seen plows go down a street and then a neighbor use his snowblower to throw snow back into the road. That creates a hazard and comes with a hefty fine and a misdemeanor charge. Just put it on your lawn, and you’ll be in the clear.