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Snow clearance in Cleveland

Snow removal firms and roofers.

42 pros in Cleveland

Snow clearance in Cleveland comes with a deadline that most cities do not set so precisely: the city's code expects the whole sidewalk in front of your property to be clear of snow and ice before 9:00 a.m. each day. If the sidewalk is not flagged or paved, a pathway at least five feet wide has to be cleared. The city plows main streets once snowfall reaches half an inch, but residential streets depend on weather and forecasts, with seasonal drivers starting at two inches, so your own driveway and walk are often yours to handle first. When you hire, ask whether the crew can reach your sidewalk early enough to meet the morning deadline, and whether they will treat what remains with sand or another substance when snow or ice cannot be fully removed. If you live in Lakewood, ask where they will put the snow, since the ordinance bars piling it on the street. Get the visit schedule and trigger depth in writing.

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What to know in Cleveland

  • Cleveland's Division of Streets begins plowing and salting main streets when snowfall reaches at least one-half inch (0.5"). Clearing of residential streets is determined by weather conditions and forecasts, and the city's policy plan has seasonal drivers start plowing when accumulations reach two inches (2").

    City of Cleveland, Department of Public Works (source, opens in a new tab)

  • In Lakewood, residents, business owners and property owners must remove snow and ice from adjacent sidewalks within 24 hours after a snowfall under City Ordinance 521.06. Snow parking bans take effect when accumulations reach 4 inches or higher, and parked vehicles must then be moved off the street.

    City of Lakewood, Ohio (source, opens in a new tab)

Before you hire

  1. Put it in a written contract: the work, price, deposit, start and finish dates, warranty, permits and clean-up. Paying cash to skip it leaves you no recourse.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

  2. Ask about liability insurance and workers’ compensation cover before anyone works on your roof or property.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

  3. Get written quotes from at least three contractors for the same work, and check references from recent clients.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

Questions about hiring in Cleveland

When does my Cleveland sidewalk need to be clear?

Cleveland's code requires the owner, occupant or person in charge of property fronting a public street to clear the whole sidewalk of snow and ice before 9:00 a.m. each day. Without a flagged or paved sidewalk, a pathway at least five feet wide must be cleared. Ask any contractor whether their routes reach you in time. City of Cleveland Codified Ordinances (American Legal Publishing) (source, opens in a new tab)

What happens if I cannot remove all the ice from my sidewalk?

Under Cleveland's § 507.13, you must cover what remains with ashes, sand or another substance as needed to make travel safe. If you fail to comply, the Director of Public Service may remove the snow and ice and charge the expense to you. Ask your contractor whether treatment is part of the service. City of Cleveland Codified Ordinances (American Legal Publishing) (source, opens in a new tab)

What should a snow clearance quote or contract include?

Ask for the snow depth that triggers a visit, which areas are covered (driveway, walk, roof), whether salt or sand is included, and how repeat visits are handled in a long storm. Get the terms in writing, along with proof of insurance, and compare quotes on the same scope.

Where can my contractor put the snow if I live in Lakewood?

Lakewood ordinance 521.06 says no one clearing a driveway, sidewalk or parking lot may deposit snow on the street, pavement, sidewalk or driveway apron of a public street. Ask the contractor where they will pile it on your property before you agree to the job. City of Lakewood Codified Ordinances (American Legal Publishing) (source, opens in a new tab)

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