Iowa Code section 364.12 universally authorizes cities to require abutting property owners to remove snow, ice, and accumulations from sidewalks. The statute creates statewide tort liability protection for cities meeting its terms.
Iowa Code 364.12(2)(b) makes abutting property owners responsible for removing snow, ice, and accumulations from public sidewalks within a reasonable time. The statute also makes property owners liable for damages caused by failure to remove. Cities may pass ordinances setting specific removal deadlines (commonly 24-48 hours) and may perform removal at the owner's expense if the owner fails to comply. Iowa Code 668.10 limits municipal tort liability for snow and ice on public sidewalks, providing immunity for cities that have not affirmatively assumed maintenance responsibility. This framework applies statewide and supersedes contrary local arrangements.
Failure to clear sidewalks may result in city assessment of removal costs against the property and civil liability for injuries to pedestrians.
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