Who clears the sidewalks?

Cleared, partially cleared
not cleared
Photo by Lee Lageschulte

By Diane Hettrick

If, like most of Shoreline and nearly all of Lake Forest Park, there is no sidewalk by your property, you can stop reading this article now.

However, if your home - or business - in Shoreline has a sidewalk along your property line, the person you are waiting for to clean off your sidewalk ... is you.

Shoreline property owners are responsible for maintaining the sidewalks along their property lines. That includes clearing snow and ice, sweeping leaves, and keeping the "amenity zone" mowed.

City regulations also state that property owners are responsible for maintaining the sidewalk itself - a gift from one of the first city councils - but fortunately for us, that provision has never been enforced.

I saw more than one person out Sunday with a snow shovel, clearing off their sidewalk. I don't know if they know the regulation or if they are just tidy.

I also had to swerve around a jogger on the street who was avoiding the ice covered sidewalk.

If you are physically able, I'd suggest you clear your sidewalk.