Janesville Sidewalk Snow Removal Rules: the 12-Hour Ordinance
Updated
Get a free quote
We reply with a price. Nothing is booked until you say yes.
Rather talk? Call (608) 352-4700 or text us.
Short answer
Part of Sidewalk Snow Removal.
The rule, in the city's words
The City of Janesville says its ordinance 34-59 requires property owners to keep sidewalks abutting their property free from snow and ice, and to clear them within 12 hours of the end of a winter weather event (City of Janesville, snow and ice covered sidewalks). The code text covers every occupant of a lot, and the owner of an unoccupied lot, and includes the nearest half of any crosswalk connecting to the walk (Janesville code, Municode).
What happens after a complaint
- A resident reports the walk to the Operations Division.
- An inspector tries to reach the owner and at a minimum leaves a door hanger giving 24 hours to clear the walk completely.
- If it is still not clear, state statute lets the city clear it and bill the owner for all related expenses.
- On a lot with no building, city staff clear it right away at the owner's expense.
Separately, a violation of the article can bring a forfeiture of up to $100 plus the costs of prosecution for each offense (sections 34-59 and 34-63).
The other cities
| City | Sidewalk deadline | Winter parking |
|---|---|---|
| Janesville | 12 hours after the snow stops | Off the street in a declared winter weather emergency ($50) |
| Beloit | 48 hours after the storm ends | Alternate side all year; off the street in a declared emergency |
| Milton | Homes 24 hours; business lots by 10 a.m. | Off streets and city lots after 1.5 inches until plowed |
| Edgerton | Owner or occupant clears it; city notices run Oct 15 and Nov 15 | Not published |
| Evansville | Not published | Off the street in a declared snow emergency ($100 minimum) |
Beloit allows 48 hours and requires sand or salt where ice cannot be removed (City of Beloit). Milton allows homes 24 hours and requires business lots to be clear by 10 a.m. daily (Milton code 66-71). Edgerton puts the duty on the owner or occupant without a published hour count we could read (Edgerton chapter 345).
Meeting a 12-hour deadline when you cannot do it yourself
A snowfall that ends at 10 p.m. is due at 10 a.m. If you travel, work early shifts, or cannot shovel, a crew with your address on its route clears the walk with the driveway. Pricing is on sidewalk snow removal and the cost page.
Sources: City of Janesville, snow and ice covered sidewalks; Janesville Code of Ordinances, sec. 34-59 and 34-63 (Municode); City of Beloit, sidewalks: snow and ice information; City of Milton code sec. 66-71, as compiled by CityRuleLookup; City of Edgerton code, chapter 345 article VIII, snow and ice removal
Want a price for your own place?
Call, text, or send the form. You get a written price back before anything is scheduled.
Quick answers
Does Janesville fine you for not shoveling?
The ordinance allows a forfeiture of up to $100 plus costs, and separately the city can clear the walk and bill you for it.
Do I have to clear the crosswalk too?
Janesville's ordinance covers the sidewalk and the nearest half of any crosswalk connecting to it, so corner lots include the curb ramps.
Who do I call about an unshoveled sidewalk in Janesville?
The city's Operations Division handles snow and ice covered sidewalk complaints.
Rather not shovel it yourself?
Tell us the address, the driveway and the walks. We reply with a per-push price and a season price before the first visit.