Note: An earlier version of this story published in January.
Edit: This story has been updated to correct an inaccuracy from an earlier article about Westfield, Indiana’s snow shoveling policy. The city does not fine its residents $25 a day for sidewalks that haven’t been cleared of snow and ice.
Hoosiers across Central Indiana woke up to snow-covered roads and sidewalks Monday, Nov. 10, after a frigid blast of arctic air descended on the eastern half of the United States.
The National Weather Service in Indianapolis issued a winter weather advisory Monday, initially until 10 a.m. and later extended until noon. Meteorologists predicted 1-2 inches of snow accumulation was possible for some parts of the region.
Some Hoosiers might be wondering about clearing their driveways of snow, but what about the sidewalk? Are you legally required to shovel snow in Indianapolis?
The answer is yes, actually, you are, and you risk being fined for not doing it.
While most people only focus on driveways and walkways, here’s what you should know so that you’re not violating city code and at risk of being fined.
Am I legally required to shovel snow?
Clearing snow is a requirement in many Hoosier cities. That includes Indianapolis. The city doesn’t clear sidewalks of snow and ice — that’s up to residents and business owners.
If someone is injured because snow remains on walkways after a certain period, the property owner could be held responsible.
“We’re stronger together and we’re all in this together,” Auboni Hart, Indy DPW spokesperson, told IndyStar in January. “We should help each other out by doing our part.”
How much time do I have to clear snow in Indianapolis before facing fines?
In Indianapolis, if snow stops falling after 9 a.m., homeowners must shovel their sidewalks by 7 p.m. If the snow is still falling past 7 p.m., they have to remove the snow by 9 a.m. the next morning.
How much snow you must clear by Indianapolis city ordinance?
In Indianapolis, residents have to clear snow and ice around their mailboxes and sidewalks in front of their property. The city requires a 5-foot-wide cleared path along all sidewalks. Keep in mind that you can’t leave snow on a public roadway or blocking an alley, which means it must go in your yard or a median.
How much are fines for not clearing snow in Indianapolis?
Residents could face a $50 fine.
But Dawn Olsen, a Department of Business and Neighborhood Services spokesperson, told IndyStar in January the city has never issued a fine for the offense.
“When someone reports an un-shoveled sidewalk to the Mayor’s Action Center, the case is assigned to an inspector,” Olsen said. “When our inspectors respond to complaints, they generally provide educational materials and give verbal warnings. Most of the complaints we receive are about commercial properties and properties along main thoroughfares.”
Why does the city require you to shovel snow?
Why the ordinance? Because clearing the sidewalks helps improve safety and makes it easier for people with disabilities to get where they are going.
Will the U.S. Post Office still deliver mail if my sidewalk isn’t shoveled?
It also ensures those packages arrive. The United States Postal Service often won’t deliver if there isn’t a clear and safe path to mailboxes and doors. If your mail comes via curbside delivery, you’ll need to clear a space around your mailbox.
Are renters responsible for shoveling their snow in Indianapolis?
Sometimes. Tenants are responsible for shoveling snow at a rental property in Indianapolis if their lease specifies they are responsible for yard maintenance and snow removal or if the tenant has exclusive possession of the yard, sidewalk or exterior, such as a house vs an apartment.
While some Hoosiers are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act, it still wouldn’t be illegal to require even disabled tenants to do snow removal.
If sidewalks stay snow-covered it can be reported to the local code enforcement. In Indianapolis, you’d call the Mayor’s Action Center at 317-327-4622.
What age should I stop shoveling snow?
Shoveling heavy snow (4 or more inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service) is a strenuous activity.
According to the American Heart Association, adults over the age of 45 should be cautious when shoveling snow as they may be at higher risk for a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest as a result of shoveling.
Who shouldn’t shovel snow?
If someone has heart disease, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, they are at a higher risk of experiencing a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest as a result of shoveling snow.
Where else is it illegal not to shovel snow?
While some local city ordinances in the Indianapolis area mandate snow removal, others don’t. See below if your Central Indiana community requires you to shovel the sidewalk.
Beech Grove’s ordinance for shoveling sidewalks
In Beech Grove, there is no fine for not shoveling snow from your sidewalk, but the city wants residents to know that if somebody walking down your sidewalk is hurt somehow because of the lack of shoveling, you may be liable.
Carmel’s ordinance for shoveling sidewalks
Carmel’s city ordinance says that property owners should clean its adjacent sidewalks by noon each day if snow or ice has gathered within the past 24 hours. Especially, after a big snowstorm, they encourage residents to do the best they can and give them grace. Code enforcement will go out and place a doorhanger on your property as a reminder to clear the sidewalks if a complaint is received or if the property is in a high traffic area.
Zionsville’s ordinance for shoveling sidewalks
In Zionsville, a property owner is responsible for clearing snow from their sidewalks. By law, this has to be done by noon of the second day after it snows. The property owner is required to clear a 4 foot wide path. The Chief of Police encourages residents to call if they need help removing snow.
Indy Snow Force: What roads are being plowed of snow?
Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formally Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON.
John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com. Find him on Threads with @john_writes_stuff or follow him on Twitter at JTuftsReports.
Katie Wiseman is a trending news reporter for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Contact her at klwiseman@gannett.com. Follow her on Bluesky @katiewiseman
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Can you be fined in Indiana for not shoveling snow? It can happen in Indianapolis
Reporting by Jade Jackson, John Tufts and Katie Wiseman, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
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