Snow comes fast in McFarland. One minute your sidewalk is clear, the next it’s a slip risk for neighbors, mail carriers, and school routes. If you own or manage property, you’re expected to clear snow and ice quickly. In this guide, you’ll learn what the common “24‑hour sidewalk rule” means in practice, how hydrant access helps first responders, what enforcement typically looks like, and a simple checklist you can use this winter. Let’s dive in.
What the 24‑hour rule means
Most Wisconsin communities require the property owner, occupant, or their agent to clear the public sidewalk that touches their lot within a set time after snowfall ends. Many call this the “24‑hour rule.” The exact trigger and timing can vary. Some start the clock when snowfall stops, others use the end of a declared storm period. Always confirm McFarland’s precise language and timeline in the village’s municipal code or seasonal Public Works notices.
Who is responsible
Responsibility usually rests with the owner of the parcel that borders the sidewalk, though many ordinances also reference occupants or agents. If you own a rental, the village still looks to the owner for compliance, even if your lease assigns shoveling to a tenant. Review your lease and HOA rules so everyone knows who clears what.
What to clear
You are typically expected to clear the sidewalk to full, usable width and down to the pavement so pedestrians can pass safely. Clear curb ramps and any crosswalk corners that touch your lot. Treat icy spots with an appropriate deicer or sand. Avoid pushing or blowing snow into the street, which can create hazards and is commonly prohibited.
Timing and snow emergencies
The time window is often 24 hours from the end of snowfall, but local wording matters. During prolonged or back‑to‑back storms, communities may adjust expectations or declare snow emergencies that shift priorities. Watch village alerts for parking rules and any emergency updates that affect plowing and enforcement.
Hydrant access and safety
Why it matters
Firefighters need quick access to hydrants. When hydrants are buried or surrounded by packed snow, crews lose precious minutes finding caps, connecting hoses, and charging lines. Keeping hydrants visible and reachable helps protect people and property.
How to clear around hydrants
- Maintain a cleared path from the street to the hydrant.
- Remove snow in about a 3‑foot radius around the hydrant so caps and connections are accessible.
- Keep the hydrant visible from the street. Avoid stacking snow piles that block the view.
- In multifamily or commercial areas, make sure hydrant valves and connection points are free of ice buildup.
Enforcement and typical penalties
Here is how many municipalities handle sidewalk snow enforcement:
- A complaint or inspection identifies an uncleared sidewalk after the allowed window.
- The village issues a notice or citation with a short deadline to comply.
- If it remains uncleared, the village arranges removal by staff or contractor.
- The owner is billed for removal costs plus administrative fees and any citation.
- Unpaid charges can be pursued as a debt and may be added to the tax bill as a special assessment.
Fine amounts, deadlines, and appeal procedures are set locally. Check McFarland’s code or fee schedule for exact figures and timelines. To protect yourself, document your clearing with dates, times, and photos.
Owner checklist and timeline
Use this simple checklist to stay ahead of storms and reduce risk. Items marked Required are commonly required by ordinance. Items marked Best practice help you avoid issues and improve safety.
Before winter
- Confirm who clears what on your property and any rental units. Required
- Line up tools: sturdy shovel, push pusher or snow blower, broom, and approved deicer. Best practice
- If hiring help, get written terms that state response times after snowfall ends and what surfaces are cleared. Best practice
- Save village contacts and sign up for local alerts for snow emergencies and parking rules. Best practice
During a storm
- Prioritize safety around active plows and low visibility. Best practice
- Avoid stacking snow where it will slide back onto sidewalks or block curb ramps. Required
- If there is a nearby hydrant, clear a path and perimeter as soon as it is safe. Best practice
Within the required window
- Clear the full sidewalk width to the pavement surface so foot traffic can pass safely. Required
- Clear adjacent curb ramps and crosswalk corners that touch your lot. Required
- Treat ice and watch for overnight refreeze. Re‑check in the morning. Required
- Do not push or blow snow into the street travel lane. Required
If you cannot clear
- Arrange backup help with a neighbor or contractor before storms. Best practice
- For extended travel or illness, have someone on call who can meet the timeline. Best practice
Documentation
- Take timestamped photos once your sidewalk is clear. Best practice
- Keep receipts or a contract from any contractor. Best practice
- Note when snow ended and when you finished clearing. Best practice
Deicer and environmental tips
- Sodium chloride, or rock salt, is common and effective to about 15°F, but can harm vegetation and infrastructure. Use sparingly.
- Calcium chloride works at lower temperatures and acts faster, but is pricier and more corrosive. Follow label directions closely.
- Sand and grit improve traction without melting ice. Sweep up excess to prevent clogged storm drains.
- Store salt off bare pavement to reduce runoff. Apply the minimum amount needed and reapply only where ice persists.
Accessibility basics
Sidewalks and curb ramps are part of the public right of way. Keeping them passable supports access for people with disabilities. Clear curb ramps to the same standard as the sidewalk and avoid piling snow where it blocks accessible routes. For commercial properties, additional ADA obligations may apply.
Where to confirm rules and get help
- Village of McFarland Public Works for sidewalk requirements, plowing updates, and snow emergency notices.
- Village Clerk or municipal code for exact ordinance language, timing, and penalties.
- McFarland Fire Department for local hydrant access expectations.
- Dane County and Wisconsin DOT for regional winter and emergency updates.
If you manage rentals or plan to sell this winter, we can share vetted local contractor referrals and timing strategies that keep your listing show‑ready during storms. Reach out to Lessing Real Estate to get a plan in place and Get Your Free Home Valuation.
FAQs
What does McFarland’s “24‑hour” sidewalk rule require?
- Most communities require owners to clear adjacent sidewalks within a set time after snowfall ends, often 24 hours, but you should verify McFarland’s exact timing in the municipal code.
Who clears sidewalks at rental properties in McFarland?
- Owners are typically responsible, though leases can assign the task to tenants; the village will look to the property owner for compliance, so confirm responsibilities in writing.
How much space should I clear around a hydrant near my home?
- A common safety guideline is a cleared path to the street and about a 3‑foot radius around the hydrant so caps and connections are accessible and visible.
What happens if I do not clear my sidewalk in time?
- Municipalities commonly issue a notice, then arrange removal and bill the owner for costs plus any fines; unpaid charges can be pursued and may be placed on the tax bill.
Can I move snow from my property into the street?
- No, most ordinances prohibit depositing snow into the street travel lane because it creates hazards and impedes plowing; keep piles on your property without blocking visibility or access.
