URBANA, Ill. (Chambana Today) — The City of Urbana announced that beginning at 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 29, 2020, its sidewalk snow and ice removal requirements will go into effect for properties located in the Downtown, University, and South Philo Road snow-removal districts.

The order is triggered when two inches or more of snow accumulate, prompting the city to require that sidewalks remain passable for pedestrians. Under the ordinance, property owners in affected districts must clear sidewalks adjacent to their property by 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 30. If sidewalks are not cleared by that time, city personnel may remove the snow and bill the property owner, and additional fines or administrative fees may apply.

A map of the affected districts, along with detailed removal requirements and approved methods, is available on the city’s website. The ordinance, updated on November 4, 2019, governs the current enforcement period.

The city also encourages residents outside the designated districts to voluntarily clear sidewalks bordering their property to keep pedestrian routes safe. Owners of large commercial properties and snow-removal contractors are reminded not to pile shoveled snow into streets or alleys, as doing so can create traffic hazards and is subject to enforcement.