Sidewalk shoveling required

Published on January 02, 2025

Residents and businesses are urged to help improve walking conditions and public safety by removing snow and ice from sidewalks after a storm.

Village ordinance requires snow and ice to be removed from the public sidewalk within 24 hours following any snow, sleet or freezing rain.

If the snow or ice has become too hard to remove without damaging the sidewalk, sand, salt or other abrasive material may be used to make pedestrian travel reasonably safe.

Being a good neighbor is important, too, so property owners are urged to help those who may need help clearing a sidewalk.

Failure to clear a sidewalk fronting or abutting one’s property could lead to a ticket and fine.

The Village of Oak Park provides a Snow Removal Assistance Program to property owners who meet low income limit requirements (click here to view chart) and have a documented medically diagnosed disability that prevents the resident from removing sidewalk snow. The Village utilizes a third party to clear snow and ice from public sidewalks only. Snow will be cleared from the public sidewalk adjacent to the property within 24 hours after the end of accumulating snowfall. Click here for the application.

For more information on the shoveling requirement or help finding resources, call 708.358.5700 or email publicworks@oak-park.us.