Most Cuyahoga County cities require property owners to clear snow and ice from public sidewalks within 24 hours of snowfall ending. Cleveland CO §509 requires clearance within 24 hours, Cleveland Heights within 12 daylight hours, and Shaker Heights within 24 hours. Lake-effect snow makes this a frequent enforcement issue.
Cleveland Codified Ordinance §509.05 requires property owners (residential and commercial) to remove snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their property within 24 hours after a snowfall ends. Cleveland Heights CO §521.09 gives 12 daylight hours. Lakewood CO §521.08 requires clearance within 24 hours. Shaker Heights and South Euclid follow similar timelines. If the owner fails to clear, the city may do so and bill the cost plus administrative fee to the property tax. Salt and sand are permitted but chemical de-icers must be used sparingly to protect Lake Erie watershed per Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District stormwater rules. Ice accumulations from downspouts creating sidewalk hazards are separately citable.
Cleveland uncleared sidewalk: $50-$150 first offense plus city mowing/clearing charges. Repeat offenders face housing court citation.
Cuyahoga County, OH
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Cuyahoga County, OH
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Cuyahoga County, OH
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Cuyahoga County, OH
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Cuyahoga County, OH
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Cuyahoga County, OH
Corner lots in Cuyahoga County townships must keep a clear vision triangle, typically 25 feet from the intersection, with no fence or landscaping over 30 inc...
See how Cuyahoga County's snow & sidewalk clearing rules stack up against other locations.
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