KFGO News file photo
FARGO (KFGO) – Fargo property owners who don’t clear snow and ice from adjacent public sidewalks will soon foot the entire bill if the city steps in to hire a contractor.
Beginning this winter, the city will no longer subsidize private contractor costs. Under the updated policy, residential and commercial property owners must pay the full amount invoiced by contractors in all situations, eliminating a previous discount offered for a property’s first violation of the season.
In past winters, the city charged residential owners a set rate based on sidewalk length for an initial contracted clearing, covering the remaining balance with Public Works Department funds. City officials said ending that practice is intended to conserve taxpayer dollars and municipal resources.
Under Fargo municipal code, property owners must keep public walkways, crosswalk curb ramps and driveway crossings clear of ice and snow. Enforcement remains strictly complaint-based.
The Public Works Department will begin accepting complaints 24 hours after a snowfall ends. After receiving a report, city inspectors will inspect the site and issue a notice of noncompliance. The property owner then has 24 hours to clear the walkway. If the sidewalk remains uncleared after that window, the city will dispatch a private contractor to do the work and bill the owner for the total expense.
City officials noted that any unpaid snow removal charges will eventually be added as special assessments against the property.
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