Salem Revised Code Chapter 78 requires abutting property owners to keep sidewalks free of snow, ice, and other obstructions at all times. Section 78.182 authorizes the city to remove unlawful obstructions and charge costs to the owner.
Under SRC Chapter 78 (Sidewalks), Section 78.182, owners of property abutting a public sidewalk must remove snow, ice, debris, and other obstructions from the sidewalk. The duty applies continuously; the city does not prescribe a specific post-snowfall grace period in the code text, though Salem's Snow Response program clarifies that sidewalk clearing is the owner's responsibility once snowfall has stopped. If an owner fails to clear a sidewalk, the city may remove the obstruction and recover the cost from the owner. Oregon state law also holds property owners liable for slip-and-fall injuries on icy sidewalks.
City may abate the obstruction and charge costs to the property owner. Owner may also face civil liability for injuries resulting from uncleared ice or snow.
Salem, OR
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Salem, OR
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Salem, OR
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Salem, OR
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Salem, OR
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Salem, OR
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See how Salem's snow & sidewalk clearing rules stack up against other locations.
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