IS IT A CRIME NOT TO SHOVEL MY SIDEWALKS IN DENVER?

Denver has its first major snowstorm forecasted for Wednesday, October 26 and a lot of citizens are now preparing for winter. What many of them might not realize is that leaving their sidewalks unplowed might lead to trouble that could snowball out of control.

In the city of Denver homeowners have 24 hours after snow stops falling to remove it from their sidewalks, but business owners only have 4 hours. The Denver municipal code regulates snow removal, while the punishment for failure to remove snow is created by the manager of public works. In Denver failure to remove snow can incur a fee of up to $150.

Some readers might think this is a silly law that would never be enforced, however, last year over 3,000 cases of failure to shovel snow were investigated. Denver does try to work with first time offenders to let them correct the condition, but habitual offenders can face fines. If you are forced to use walkways that have not been cleared you can report the condition using Denver 3-1-1.

Colin McCallin Avatar

Colin McCallin

Attorney Colorado State Bar, Federal Bar

Colin believes that every person is entitled to a second chance and a fresh start and will work hard to help his clients achieve their goals. Colin’s legal analysis and work have been featured in the Denver Post, 9News, Westword, Fox 31, CBS 4, and the San Francisco Chronicle. He hosts the podcast “Is This Legal with his law partner Russell Hebets. He spends his spare time with his family and enjoys skiing and cycling the mountains of Colorado.

Areas of Expertise: DUI, Criminal Defense, Theft, Domestic Violence, Drug Crimes, Sex Crimes Violent Crimes, Motor Vehicle Offense, Record Sealing
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