City issued warnings for snow shoveling ordinance amid resident complaints

SPOKANE, WASH. — The City of Spokane Valley has issued warnings to a number of businesses along Sprague for violating their new ordinance which requires businesses to clear their sidewalks within 48 hours after a snowfall. The ordinance allows the city to fine businesses and residents only if there is accumulation of three inches or more.

The warnings came after a number of residents complained about walking hazards.

“Yesterday going to get groceries at the store I saw two people in their electric wheelchairs going down the street because they couldn’t get on the sidewalk,” said resident Stan Tillemans.

He said as an almost daily walker himself, he’s been having to do the same to avoid slippery and snow covered sidewalks along parts of Sprague. He said he wants to the City to step up and do more to enforce the ordinance.

“If they enforced it, these sidewalks would be clean,” said Tillemans.

For more information on the City of Spokane Valley’s snow shoveling policy and ways to get your sidewalks cleared if you are unable click here.

The City of Spokane also has an ordinance which requires sidewalks be cleared by businesses and residents, but they don’t have a fine. The City says they will respond to an area if they receive complaints.

KXLY found a number of sidewalks downtown covered in snow and ice, especially around public parking lots. There were also snow covered sidewalks across from Mead High School.

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