Winter challenges, safety and fines: parking and shoveling

While there is not prediction for a heavy snowfall this week, the time -- this is Chicago after all -- is coming. And, it is important to remember about sidewalk and parking rules and safety during the winter.

Sidewalks are to be cleared for the width of five feet. If the snow is so frozen that it cannot be removed, salt or sand should be used until the snow can be cleared. Snow covered and ice covered sidewalks can be unsafe for everyone but can be a special challenge for seniors, families with strollers and the disabled.

All of the Alderman are concerned for the safety and well being of residents and visitors. They remind everyone that snow removal is the responsibility of every owner, tenant, or occupant of every building or lot. Furthermore, if you see a neighbor or business owner willfully neglecting their sidewalks, please call your alderman's office. 1st Ward: 773.278.0101; 26th Ward: 773.395.0143; 27th Ward: 312.432.1995; 32nd Ward: 773.248.1330; and 35th Ward: 773.365.3535.

To prevent city parking fees from draining your wallet, be sure to follow the two winter parking signs.  The first is for winter restrictions between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. from Dec. 1 to Apr. 1, on 107 miles of city streets that are marked for winter restrictions, DO NOT PARK whether or not there is snow. Fines for winter 3 to 5 a.m. restriction are a $150 towing fee (minimum), a $50 ticket and a $10 daily storage fee.

The second is the 2" Snow ban. On posted street that is in effect regardless of the time of day or night when there is at least two inches of snow. Cars may be ticketed or find that their vehicle has been relocated in order to facilitate snow clearing operations.