Proposed Modification for Public Review

The public is invited to review the proposed sidewalk snow removal reduction proposal. This update is being provided for discussion to the PARC on May 14 and City Council on May 19. The proposal recommends a reduction of 91 miles of sidewalk clearing to be turned back to business and resident property owners. The proposed map shows city covered sidewalks in black. Sidewalks in red would be turned back to property owners for snow removal.

Photo of a map of bloomington minnesota showing proposed sidewalk snow removal by the city in black and adjacent property owners in red. click the image for a pdf version.Sidewalk plowing proposal map photo. Click on image for larger pdf of this image.

City sidewalks are cleared by park maintenance staff and will focus on,
  • City owned properties
  • Higher volume road classification (arterials and major collectors) as identified in the city's comprehensive plan
  • Sidewalk adjacent to roadways (curbside)


This shared approach to sidewalk snow removal addresses many of the identified concerns in the service review including,

  • Route reduction to be more in line with other city snow operations and comparable city operation from approximately 25 miles to 13 miles per route
  • Clearing occurring in a timelier manner with shared responsibility with property owners
  • Safer and more usable sidewalks of snow and ice clearing with a concentrated effort by city staff on higher volume roads and partnership with property owners who can clear closer to the pavement with shovels and smaller snow blowers
  • Accessibility focus on arterials and major collectors cleared by the city. Some of these areas are also identified as key areas where larger numbers of people with disabilities live and do business.
  • Resource information will be provided for older adults and people with disabilities who need support to clear their sidewalks.
  • Anticipated reduction in crew injury and damage to property.
  • Park maintenance staff will be able to dedicate more time to wintertime forest management, natural resources and parks maintenance including more timely outdoor ice rink clearing.


Public feedback will be taken at the following opportunities:

  • Online survey on Let's Talk Bloomington now thru June 15
  • Public Works Open House, Saturday May 17, 2025, 9 am - 12 pm
  • Bloomington Farmers Market, Saturday June 7, 2026, 8 am - 1 pm
Categories: project update
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