Ohio has no statewide sidewalk snow clearing mandate. Franklin County cities set individual rules. Columbus (Code 905.01) requires property owners to clear snow and ice from sidewalks within 24 hours of snowfall ending. Most suburbs have similar 12-48 hour windows.
Columbus enforces snow clearing by complaint; first violation typically results in a warning, then a 50 dollar fine. The city clears snow on 7,000 lane miles of streets using 90-plus plow trucks. Salt is applied at rates of 200-400 pounds per lane mile. Property owner liability for slip-and-fall on unshoveled sidewalks is limited under Ohio common law (natural accumulation rule from Brinkman v. Ross, 68 Ohio St.3d 82), but unnatural accumulations caused by downspouts or building conditions can create liability. ADA-compliant paths (3 feet wide minimum) are required in commercial areas.
Columbus: 50 dollar fine after warning. Bexley: 100 dollars. Worthington: 50-100 dollars. City may clear and bill property owner.
Franklin County, OH
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Franklin County, OH
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See how Franklin County's snow & sidewalk clearing rules stack up against other locations.
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