Bend residents, businesses are reminded to shovel your sidewalks, for everyone’s sake

(Update: adding video, comments from City of Bend's Code Enforcement Manager)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Shoveling your sidewalk clear of snow in Bend isn't an option, it's a requirement. And for good reason, officials say.

The rules vary from city to city in Central Oregon. Generally, in commercial areas, regulations call for sidewalks to be plowed within six hours. In residential areas, they're to be cleared within 24 hours.

People are relying on a clear sidewalk to get to and from work or school. If the sidewalks haven’t been cleared, many people will be forced to walk in the roads, which is very dangerous. 

Bend Code Enforcement Manager James Goff said Wednesday, "If a sidewalk isn't clear -- it's treacherous. Then what is that person (walking there) forced to do? Then they're forced to walk out in the street and be out there with the vehicles. Some people don't have vehicles, some people have mobility devices. Somebody -- you know, you have kids that are walking to and from school."

According to the city, residents and owners are reminded to remove snow from sidewalks within 24 hours after the snowfall has stopped and six hours for commercial properties, per City of Bend Code 5.35.020 (Snow and Ice).

When shoveling, they ask that you keep the snow on your property and avoid putting it in the street.

"When the plow does go by, it's going to push all that snow back up on your sidewalk," Goff explained.

City street crews are also working hard to keep snow from being plowed back up onto the sidewalk. If it does happen, it is still your responsibility to keep it clear. More details can be found are on this city web page.

Also, if you have a fire hydrant in front of your property, it is your responsibility to remove snow accumulation from around the hydrant.

If you plan to be out of town during a snow event, make sure you are prepared.

"Making sure that you know, your neighbors are helping out, or family members are coming out to make sure that your sidewalks are clear," Goff said. "And then the biggest thing is just making sure that you buy a snow shovel before the snow gets here, because going to the store now, you're probably not going to find one."

Those who don't clear the sidewalks first will be given a written notice. If ignored, this could result in a couple hundred dollars in fines for residential areas and businesses.