Kenosha, WI Property Maintenance: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (2026)
Key Facts
- Removal deadline
- 24 hours after snowfall ends
- First violation fine
- $20
- Second/third violation fine
- $40
- Fourth+ violation fine
- $60
- Late payment penalty
- Doubles after 7 days unpaid
- Enforcing agency
- Department of Public Works
- City cleanup admin fee
- $70 plus cost of work
Summary
Kenosha requires the owner or occupant of any property abutting a sidewalk to clear snow and ice within 24 hours after a snowfall ends. Ice that cannot be removed must be treated with sand or another anti-slip product under City Code Section 5.11. The Department of Public Works investigates complaints and issues citations, with fines starting at $20 and doubling for late payment.
B.Duty.1.The responsible party shall remove and clear away or cause to remove or clear away all snow and ice from sidewalks within twenty-four (24) hours of the day following a snow fall; provided that when ice has so formed on any sidewalk that it cannot be removed, then the persons herein before referred to shall cause said ice from remaining and presenting a hazard to the users of the sidewalk by use of sand, abrasive material or any product designed to prevent ice from forming... E.Penalty. The penalty for violation of this Chapter shall be as follows:1.Twenty dollars ($20.00) for the first violation within a given calendar year.2.Forty dollars ($40.00) for the second and third violations within a given calendar year.3.Sixty dollars ($60.00) for the fourth violation and every violation thereafter, within a given calendar year.4.The above penalties shall double if not paid within seven (7) days of the date of the offense, not including the day of the offense.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 11 Update 1 | Zoning Ordinance: Supplement 9).
Full Breakdown
11 of the Kenosha Code of General Ordinances makes the abutting property owner, occupant, or party in control the 'Responsible Party' for sidewalk snow and ice removal. The duty runs to owners of vacant lots, to owners or occupants of single-family and business properties, and to any other occupant unless a resident has been designated in writing as the person in charge. The Responsible Party must clear all snow and ice from the sidewalk within 24 hours of the day following a snowfall. Where ice has bonded to the pavement and cannot be physically removed, the code requires sand, an abrasive, or another product designed to prevent the ice from forming or reforming, so it does not remain a hazard to pedestrians.
The same section requires the sidewalk be kept free of dirt, dust, cinders, ashes, mud, and oil once snow and ice are gone, and separately makes the Responsible Party liable for standing water or ice caused by runoff, including discharge from sump pumps, from the abutting property. Anyone maintaining an alley must also keep it clean to the centerline. The Department of Public Works investigates only after receiving a complaint that identifies the complainant by name and address, and its designees issue citations for violations.
A cited party can stipulate guilt on a form filed with the City Clerk/Treasurer and pay the penalty rather than appear in court. If the Responsible Party still does not act, the Director of Public Works can have the work done and bill the owner within 30 days, adding a $70 administrative fee, with the unpaid balance collected as a special assessment against the property. Once a year the Department publishes a legal notice reminding residents of the duty and penalties.
Violations & Fines
Fines run $20 for a first violation in a calendar year, $40 for the second and third, and $60 for the fourth and every violation after that. Any penalty doubles if not paid within seven days of the offense date. These sidewalk penalties replace the general Chapter 5 penalty in Section 5.12. If the City has to clear the sidewalk itself, the owner is billed for the work plus a $70 administrative fee, collectible as a special property assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kenosha
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