CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Champaign’s Public Works Director has officially activated the City’s sidewalk snow and ice removal ordinance following today’s snowfall, which brought at least two inches of accumulation. The declaration triggers the requirement for property owners in the Downtown, Midtown, and Campustown districts to clear their sidewalks within 24 hours.

The compliance period begins at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 29, meaning sidewalks must be cleared no later than 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 30.

Under the ordinance, a clear pedestrian path must be maintained across the width of the sidewalk or 48 inches—whichever is less. Property owners on corner lots must also clear curb ramps to ensure continuous walkways from block to block. The City may clear sidewalks that remain non-compliant after the deadline, with costs billed to the property owner.

City officials emphasize that proper snow removal is essential for the safety of pedestrians and those relying on accessible or multimodal transportation. Maps of the Downtown and Campustown areas, along with details of the ordinance, are available on the City’s website at champaignil.gov/snow.

Residents and businesses are also reminded not to push snow from private property into City streets, as this creates dangerous obstacles for drivers. The City encourages snow clearing throughout all neighborhoods—particularly along designated Safe Routes to School. Safe Route maps can be found at ccrpc.org/transportation/safe_walking_route_maps.