BISMARCK, N.D. – The city of Bismarck reminds residents and property owners to remove accumulated snow and ice from sidewalks adjoining their property including the crosswalk or corner lots. Everchanging weather conditions have created challenging sidewalk safety conditions. 

City Ordinance requires property owners to remove all snow and ice from their sidewalk within 24 hours of the snowfall. If it is not removed it may be removed by the city and the cost charged to the property owner. Please consider helping a neighbor who may need assistance. “Many of our friends, neighbors, postal carriers and businesses rely on sidewalks,” said Gabe Schell, City Engineer. “Even if you don’t use sidewalks often, please do your part and help everyone travel safely.”

It is also the property owner’s responsibility to clear snow around their mailbox. If it is a cluster box, it is the responsibility of the residents who use it to clear the snow from around the cluster box. This also helps mail delivery as mail carriers are unable to deliver mail on icy sidewalks due to safety concerns.

The City also encourages residents to clear snow from around hydrants by “adopting” a hydrant in their neighborhood. This helps reduce the time it takes for the fire department to get water on a fire by ensuring that that firefighters can find and access the fire hydrant when it is most needed. Helping could save your house or your neighbor’s in an emergency. 

Snow should be cleared 6 inches below all the caps and 3 to 4 feet around the hydrant. This gives firefighters the space they need to attach hoses and turn on water in case of a fire. Business owners are also asked to take to time to ensure the hydrants in their area are kept clean. 

For more information visit https://www.bismarcknd.gov/249/Snow-Removal.