Milwaukee, WI Property Maintenance: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (2026)
Key Facts
- Deadline
- 24 hours after snowfall stops
- First violation
- $75 special charge
- Uncured violation
- additional $100 charge
- Repeat in same year
- $125 special charge
- Enforced by
- DPW and Dept. of Neighborhood Services
Summary
Milwaukee property owners must clear snow and ice from abutting sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall stops, or face a $75 special charge plus escalating fees for continued non-compliance.
The owner, occupant or person in charge of any real property abutting or fronting upon a paved public sidewalk or crosswalk shall remove and clear away all snow and ice on the entire paved surface within 24 hours after the snow or ice has ceased to fall... If a person is found to be in violation of the requirements of this section, the person shall be subject to a special charge of $75. There shall be an additional special charge of $100 for failure to clear or otherwise abate any condition that remains in violation of this section.
Full Breakdown
Under Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 116-8, the owner, occupant, or person in charge of property fronting a paved public sidewalk or crosswalk must clear all snow and ice from the entire paved surface within 24 hours after the snow or ice has ceased to fall. If ice has formed so it can't be fully removed, the responsible person must apply sand, abrasive material, or an ice-melt product to prevent a hazard. A first violation carries a $75 special charge, with an additional $100 charge if the condition isn't abated, and $125 for a repeat violation in the same calendar year. Unpaid charges become a lien on the property after 30 days, plus a $25 administrative fee. The department of public works and department of neighborhood services enforce this section.
Violations & Fines
Failing to clear sidewalk snow or ice within 24 hours after snowfall stops; not applying sand or ice-melt when ice can't be fully removed; leaving dirt or mud on a sidewalk once it's clear of snow and ice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for clearing sidewalk snow in Milwaukee?
What happens if I miss the 24-hour deadline?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Milwaukee
Compare Milwaukee to another location·View the Wisconsin property maintenance overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Snow & Sidewalk Clearing in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Milwaukee County handle snow & sidewalk clearing.