Council adopts changes to snow-and-ice ordinance giving residents 24 hours to clear sidewalks

On third reading the council considered updates to municipal code 6.12 (snow and ice removal from sidewalks, curb ramps, bus pads and hydrants). Staff member Emma and Alex summarized the changes: the primary modification extends the time residents have to clear sidewalks from 12 hours to 24 hours; the ordinance also adds definitions separating sidewalks from recreational paths and increases the administrative fee for repeat violations from $25 to $50 during the same snow season.

Alderperson Van Trieste asked whether the change covers bike paths and recreational walkways in her district where snow removal had stopped for parts of the year; staff clarified that the ordinance governs resident responsibility for clearing sidewalks, curb ramps and bus pads and that recreational paths are defined separately in the revisions. Alderperson Manion moved to approve the changes to municipal code 6.12, the motion was seconded and the council adopted the ordinance by a 13-0 recorded vote.

The change aligns Waukesha with nearby communities that use a 24-hour resident-clearance timeline and staff said the narrower time window and revised fee schedule reflect feasibility and enforcement considerations.