What are Bend's sidewalk snow removal rules?

Who is responsible

The City of Bend's Sidewalk Snow and Ice Removal page puts the job on property owners. All commercial properties must clear snow and ice from their sidewalks, and residential properties are responsible for their sidewalks too. Renters and property managers should check their lease or contract for who actually does the shoveling, but the city looks to the property.

How fast you have to clear it

Commercial properties must clear snow and ice from sidewalks within six daylight hours after snowfall. Residential properties have 24 hours. The city's snow brochure phrases the same rule as a limit on how long snow or ice can remain: no more than the first six hours of daylight in commercial areas, and no more than one day elsewhere.

Ice gets one practical exception in the brochure: it may remain if it is covered with a suitable material, such as sand, so people can walk safely.

Where the snow can go

When you shovel, keep the snow on your property. The city says not to move it from the sidewalk into the street. That rule matters for anyone clearing with a plow or blower too: pushing sidewalk snow into the travel lane is not allowed.

The brochure notes that city street crews try not to plow snow back onto sidewalks, but it may still happen. Plan on a second pass after the street is plowed.

Fines

According to the city's snow brochure, the maximum penalty is $460 a day for a Class B infraction, which applies in most areas, and $260 a day for a Class C infraction, which applies to residential property. The City of Bend Code Enforcement Division handles enforcement and can be reached at (541) 312-4908.

If you cannot do it yourself

The city's brochure lists a volunteer coordinator for its Good Samaritan program at (541) 388-5579, for residents who need help. For businesses, rentals and anyone who wants it handled reliably, a snow removal service is the usual answer.

Protecting your concrete

What you put down matters. The Concrete in Practice guidance on scaling warns against calcium or sodium chloride deicers on concrete in its first year, and against ammonium sulfate or ammonium nitrate at any age, because they attack concrete surfaces. Sand gives traction without the damage. See freeze and thaw and concrete.

Remember that in Bend you are also responsible for repairing the sidewalk when it is damaged. See who fixes a damaged sidewalk in Bend.

Commercial properties: plan for the six hour window

Six daylight hours goes fast after an overnight storm. For a storefront, office or multi tenant building, decide in advance who is responsible for each stretch of sidewalk, what triggers a visit, and where snow will be piled on the property so it does not end up in the street or block parking. A written agreement with a snow removal provider makes those answers clear before the first storm.

Remember the corners and transit stops on your frontage, and the second pass after city plows go by.

Residential: 24 hours and the neighbors

For homes, the 24 hour window gives more room, but it still covers weekends and holidays. If you travel in winter, arrange for someone to clear while you are gone. Rentals should spell out in the lease who does it. Clear the full width where you can, and come back for ice once the sun has softened it, using sand rather than salts on concrete.

Driveways, lots and private walks

The city's sidewalk rules cover the public sidewalk next to your property. Your own driveway, parking lot and private walks are up to you, but for a business they are just as important for customers, tenants and deliveries. Clearing them in the same visit as the public sidewalk keeps everything consistent and keeps snow from being pushed back onto the sidewalk you just cleared.

If you use a contractor for the lot, ask that the sidewalk be part of every visit, so one call covers the whole frontage within the city's deadline.

Snow removal with RCC

RCC offers snow removal in Bend. Set it up before the first storm so the areas to clear, where snow gets piled on your property, and when the crew comes out are agreed in advance. Contact RCC with your address.