Michigan Sidewalk Snow Removal Liability and Local Ordinances

Michigan common law follows the natural accumulation doctrine, recognized in cases like Buhalis v Trinity Continuing Care, holding that property owners typically owe no duty to remove naturally accumulated snow and ice from public sidewalks. However, MCL 691.1402a (governmental immunity) requires municipalities to maintain sidewalks in reasonable repair, with a limited two-inch sidewalk-defect rule. Cities may adopt local snow-removal ordinances under home rule authority, requiring property owners to clear adjacent sidewalks within a set time after snowfall. Violations are typically municipal civil infractions, not personal injury liability.

Municipal civil infractions ranging $50-$500 per violation; cities may charge contractor clearing costs to property tax bills.