Kansas City requires property owners and occupants to clear snow and ice from public sidewalks adjacent to their property. Under the city code, sidewalks must be cleared within a reasonable time after snowfall ends. The city also maintains a snow removal priority system for streets managed by the Public Works department.
Property owners or occupants are responsible for removing snow and ice from public sidewalks abutting their property. Sidewalks should be cleared to a passable width within a reasonable time after precipitation ceases. The city prioritizes snow plowing on main roads and arterials first, then secondary streets, and residential streets last. Kansas City Public Works deploys salt trucks and plows based on a tiered priority system. Residents can track snow removal progress through the city's snow map. ADA requirements mean sidewalks must be cleared sufficiently for wheelchair access.
Failure to clear sidewalks of snow and ice may result in code enforcement notices and fines. Property owners may also face civil liability if pedestrians are injured on uncleared sidewalks. The city does not typically clear residential sidewalks — this remains the property owner's responsibility.
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