The City of Novi’s Code of Ordinances requires that property owners maintain sidewalks and pathways that abut their property so that they are safe for use by all types of non-motorized users. This means that sidewalks and pathways must be kept in a proper state of repair and clear of snow and ice during winter months. In general, maintenance refers to not only to sidewalks/pathways in front of properties, but it also may include sidewalks/pathways in the right-of-way bordering side or rear lot lines.
Ordinance Regulations
Sec. 21-57. - Exterior property areas.
(c) Sidewalks and driveways. All sidewalks, walkways, stairs, driveways, parking spaces and similar areas shall be kept in a proper state of repair, and maintained free from hazardous conditions.
Sec. 21-126. - Sidewalks and pathways to be cleared.
The occupant of every lot or premises adjoining any street or the owner of such lot or premises if the same are not occupied, shall clear all ice and snow from sidewalks adjoining such lot or premises to the front or side (but not to the rear) within the time required in this section. Within forty-eight (48) hours after the end of each accumulation of snow of two (2) inches or more, the owner or occupant of every property shall remove the accumulation from the adjacent public sidewalk and walks and ramps leading to a crosswalk. The accumulation may be from any source including precipitation and drifting. Immediately after the accumulation of ice on such sidewalk, it shall be treated with sand, salt or other substance to prevent it from being slippery and the ice shall be removed within forty-eight (48) hours after accumulation. The requirements of this section shall also apply to paved pathways adjacent to the front or side of a lot or premises, except that the occupant of a single-family lot or premises adjacent to a major pathway (i.e., a paved pathway six (6) feet wide or wider) shall only be required to clear such pathway adjacent to the front of the lot or premises.