South Bend City Reminds Businesses Of Snow Clearance

From the City of South Bend:

November 12, 2019

South Bend City Reminds Businesses Of Snow Clearance

The City of South Bend would like to remind the business and commercial community that walkways and parking spaces for disabled persons must remain clear and accessible during snow and ice conditions for offices, commercial buildings, retail places, professional service centers, and any other buildings open to the public.

By local ordinance, owners of any property must clear sidewalks of snow and ice within 24 hours of a snowfall or ice accumulation. This law is enforced by fine when snow has accumulated 3 inches or more. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifically requires that any place of public accommodation be accessible to disabled persons. This includes parking spaces during snow and ice conditions. The Federal Highway Commission has issued a reminder that when snow is removed, it cannot be piled in a place that makes a disabled parking space unusable or difficult to use. Such practices could result in Department of Justice ADA enforcement actions.

South Bend is committed to being an accessible, inclusive city. Clearing ice and snow from disabled parking spaces and walkways ensures that persons with disabilities have true access to government service buildings and other public facilities. Owners of commercial, retail and professional service centers have a similar duty under the ADA. Businesses with questions may contact Aladean DeRose, ADA Coordinator for the City, at 574-235-9241.

This press release was produced by the City of South Bend. The views expressed here are the author’s own.