Keep snow off city sidewalks

The City of Sisters is reminding all property owners about snow removal within the city limits.

According to city officials, property owners are responsible for maintaining the adjacent public sidewalk and are liable to any person injured because of any negligence of the owner failing to maintain the public sidewalk in good condition.

Good condition means meeting the requirements of the City of Sisters, Ordinance No. 282 (ordinance is available for review upon request).

City ordinances require that "no snow is to remain on a public sidewalk for a period longer than six hours of daylight after the snow has stopped falling. No ice is to remain on a public sidewalk after the first six hours of daylight after ice has formed, unless the person covers the ice with sand, ashes or other suitable material to assure safe travel."

Property owners should not shovel snow out of their sidewalks and driveways onto the city streets or state highways.

No drainage is allowed to cross a sidewalk from a rain drain, pipe or other collector.

Property owners are asked to locate fire hydrants around their property and keep them clear of snow, ice, debris, and to avoid blocking access.

Snow removal contractors must not block sidewalks or pedestrian ways with snow piles, or pile snow at intersections in a way that will impede visibility.