Chelan asks residents to keep sidewalks clear for all

CHELAN – As the winter weather takes hold, the City of Chelan asks that residents clear snow and ice from sidewalks by 9 a.m. each day to ensure safe pedestrian access, in accordance with city regulations.

The City’s Snow and Ice Removal Guide is a resource to help residents stay safe in the winter weather, City Communications Director Chad Coltman said.

“As the snow and ice season settles in, safety is our top priority,” Coltman said. “Our Snow and Ice Guide is designed to help residents stay prepared, protect their property, and keep our community moving smoothly through winter’s challenges.”

Chelan City Code 12.12.070 requires property owners or occupants to remove snow and ice from sidewalks and walking paths in front of their homes or businesses. The city emphasizes that residents must keep sidewalks clear to help pedestrians, including disabled individuals, schoolchildren, and senior citizens, safely navigate the community.

According to the guide, it is unlawful for any person, by any means, to scrape, plow, pile, dump, push, or deposit snow or ice on, into or upon any street, highway, alley, or upon any fire hydrant or traffic sign in the city. 

The guide advises residents to pile snow in the front yard whenever possible. If the front yard is not accessible, snow may be piled or placed in the planter strip or along the edge of the curb. 

Snow may be piled on berms created by the city plows. Snow may not be thrown or piled in the driving and parking lanes. 

“City snow plow crews do their best to keep snow off sidewalks, but cannot keep from creating berms at each driveway,” the guide states. “Please clear snow berms in driveways to the downstream direction of travel. This will result in the snow you shoveled being moved away from your driveway instead of plowed back into your driveway every time a plow comes by.” 

Chelan encourages residents to take pride in their community by maintaining safe sidewalks. For more information or concerns, contact Chelan Public Works at (509) 682-8030.

Quinn Propst: 509-731-3590 or quinn@ward.media.