Snow Shoveling Information

Together, we are all responsible for keeping Duluth safe and comfortable for winter walking.  For your own benefit and to help your neighbors, people pushing strollers or using wheelchairs, and the many people in Duluth who walk, please do your part.

Duluth ordinance requires that property owners clear sidewalks after the end of a snowfall within 24 hours.

When you shovel snow and clear ice:

• Shovel the sidewalks on all sides of your property, the full width of the sidewalk down to the pavement.

• Remove all ice from sidewalks.  After the sidewalk is clear, sprinkling a little sand can help prevent slipping on frosty sidewalks.

• Pile snow onto your yard and boulevard.  It’s against the law to shovel snow into streets and alleys.

• If you have a corner property, clear curb cuts at corners and crosswalks to the street gutter.  You are not required to clear snow ridges or piles left by the plows beyond the gutter.  City crews will make an effort to return to do this work as quickly as possible, but with over 400 miles of streets to clear across the City, it may take a while. However, clearing an opening sooner can help provide a clear passage for other users.

 Avoid a ticket

*  If the City of Duluth gets a complaint or discovers that a sidewalk is not properly cleared, staff will inspect the sidewalk and give the property owner a chance to clear it. 

*  If the sidewalk has not been cleared upon re-inspection, crews will remove the snow and ice from the sidewalk and property owners will be billed for this service.  Unpaid bills will be added to the owner’s property tax.

Want to go the extra mile?

Are there neighbors on your street who are elderly, have a disability or may have a hard time shoveling for any reason?  Work with your neighbors to give a hand and ensure your entire block is safe and accessible to all!

• WinterWatch : Home
• Snow & Ice Control Policy
• Street Priority Maps
• Sidewalk Priority Maps
• FAQ - Streets
• FAQ - Sidewalks
• Winter Parking Basics
• Snow Shoveling
• Garbage and Recycling Tips