Wayne County, MI Property Maintenance: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (2026)

Snow removal from sidewalks is one of the most contentious winter issues in Wayne County given the Detroit metro's lake-effect snow and aging urban infrastructure. Detroit requires residents and businesses to clear sidewalks adjacent to their property within 24 hours after a snowfall ends. Dearborn, Livonia, Westland, and most suburbs require clearing within 12 to 24 hours depending on the city. Detroit's limited residential street plowing has been a long-standing political issue, with the city focusing plowing on major arterials and typically leaving residential side streets to melt unless accumulation exceeds 6 inches. Wayne County Department of Public Services plows only county-maintained primary and local roads in unincorporated townships and limited other jurisdictions. Sidewalk violation fines in Detroit start around $50 and can escalate. Elderly and disabled residents can request help through city programs or volunteer networks. Commercial property owners face heightened enforcement because blocked sidewalks expose them to slip-and-fall liability under Michigan premises law.