Fort Dodge and other Iowa Cities Maintain 24-hour Snow Removal Policy

Under the Fort Dodge Municipal Code and similar Municipal Codes throughout Iowa, residents are required to remove snow and ice from the sidewalks abutting their property within 24 hours of the cessation of the snowfall or ice formation.

The City of Fort Dodge’s Municipal Code provides that when snow or ice remains upon any sidewalk for a period of more than 24 hours following the snowfall or ice formation, the City has the right to remove the snow and/or ice. If the City removes the snow or ice, such removal is reported to the city council and the council has the right to assess the costs of such removal against the property.  Provisions similar to these, with shorter or longer time periods for removal, can be found in Municipal Codes of other cities throughout Iowa.

Failure to exercise reasonable care in the maintenance of a landowner’s property, including the sidewalks abutting their property, could also subject one to liability if someone slipped and fell or otherwise suffered an injury as a result. 

If you have any questions or for more information about these issues, feel free to contact the Crimmins & Kehm Law Firm at 515-573-2191.