Meridian, ID Property Maintenance: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (2026)
Key Facts
- Deadline after notice
- 5 calendar days
- Criminal penalty
- Misdemeanor, each day separate offense
- City self-help
- City may abate and bill owner
- Unpaid costs
- Become lien on property
Summary
Meridian names snow or ice on a public sidewalk abutting private property an abatable nuisance. After a code enforcement notice, the owner or occupant has 5 calendar days to clear it or face a misdemeanor charge.
It shall be the duty of the owner, occupier, or person in charge or control of any property where any abatable nuisance exists, to abate such nuisance within five (5) calendar days from the date of personal service, mailing, or publication... If, following notice of violation and order to abate, any person allows the existence of an abatable nuisance, such person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Each and every day in which any such violation continues may be deemed a separate offense.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 14).
Full Breakdown
Meridian City Code lists snow or ice on any public sidewalk abutting or adjoining privately owned premises as an abatable nuisance (Meridian City Code § 4-2-1). Once a Code Enforcement Officer issues a notice of violation and order to abate, the owner, occupier, or person in control of the property has 5 calendar days from service, mailing, or posting to clear it, unless the Officer orders summary abatement for an imminent safety threat. If the snow or ice remains after that window, the city can cite the responsible party for a misdemeanor and, separately, abate the nuisance itself and bill the owner for the cost (Meridian City Code § 4-2-3).
Violations & Fines
Failing to clear sidewalk snow/ice after notice is a misdemeanor, with each day of continued violation a separate offense. The city may also abate it directly and bill the owner; unpaid abatement costs and fees can become a special assessment lien on the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Meridian require homeowners to clear sidewalk snow?
What happens if I don't clear my sidewalk in time?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Meridian
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Snow & Sidewalk Clearing in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle snow & sidewalk clearing.