As winter sets in and snowflakes begin to fly, City of Powell residents should remember that they — and not the city government — are responsible for keeping their walkways clear.

“The owner of the property is responsible for all maintenance of the sidewalks on their property. This includes all sidewalk repairs, sweeping and snow removal,” the city explains on its website.

Indeed, Powell’s municipal code explicitly charges residents with keeping their walks traversable.

“Every sidewalk shall be maintained in a safe condition by the owner of the property abutting thereon, including snow removal,” says Sec. 12.08.050. It adds that residents need to find a place for their shoveled snow, because “snow removed from sidewalks shall not be deposited upon any city streets, alleys or rights-of-way.”

The same goes for leaves and other debris.

Technically, someone could be prosecuted for failing to keep their sidewalk clear, but the ordinance is not strictly enforced and there’s no record of anyone having been prosecuted for the offense. In a 2014 interview, Powell Police Chief Roy Eckerdt described the task of snow removal as “just part of being a responsible property owner.”

“There are so many who benefit for clear, snow free sidewalks during the winter months — those who walk for exercise, those who walk to their job, those who walk to school, etc.,” said Powell resident Marcia Wysocki.

City crews are responsible for streets and alleyway. Under city policy, workers will plow and remove snow after 4 or more inches have accumulated on the ground. However, unless there’s a life-threatening emergency caused by severe weather conditions, both plowing and street sanding are limited to normal work hours.

“During major snowstorms, snow removal operations will concentrate on keeping the main traveled arteries open during normal school/work hours,” the policy says.