In Chicago, HOA snow removal is a regular part of the winter season. Since the city averages 38.4 inches of snow, it is essential to ensure snow doesn’t interfere with safety and travel. Among associations, determining who is responsible for snow removal can help set expectations and plan budgets accordingly.
Is HOA Snow Removal Important?
The city of Chicago experiences heavy snow and ice, along with freezing temperatures and harsh weather. As sidewalks and streets get covered in blankets, residents must exercise more caution when traveling. Walking and driving can be difficult, not to mention unsafe.
This is where an HOA snow removal policy comes in. Snow removal is paramount because it clears pathways, driveways, and roadways. For the association, it helps prevent accidents and keep everyone safe. For homeowners, it makes travel more convenient.
Furthermore, dangerous situations can expose the association to liability. If someone slips on the ice and injures themselves, they can sue the association for damages. While insurance can help cover these damages, it’s best to prevent the accident in the first place.
What is the Chicago Snow Removal Law?
In Chicago, property owners are legally required to remove snow and ice from their sidewalks. Some landlords pass the burden on to their tenants and incorporate a snow removal requirement into their lease agreements.
Here is a rundown of the snow removal ordinance according to the Municipal Code of Chicago (4-4-310 & 10-8-180).
- Timeframe Requirements:
- Snow that falls between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. must be shoveled by 10 p.m.
- Snow that falls between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. must be shoveled by 10 a.m. the next day.
- These rules apply seven days a week.
- Clearing Rules
- Owners or tenants must clear a path at least five feet wide on all sidewalks adjacent to their property.
- If there are crosswalk ramps, include those, too.
- Corner lots must clear sidewalks on all sides of their lots.
Owners or tenants must not shovel snow into the street, parking spaces, bike lanes, crosswalks, or fire hydrants. Penalties for noncompliance can range from $50 to $500. To report an uncleared sidewalk, residents may call 311 or file a request online through the city’s website.
Is HOA Responsible for Snow Removal?
Whether or not the association is responsible for snow removal depends on the governing documents. Board members or homeowners should review the CC&Rs, bylaws, and operating rules for verification.
That said, most HOA snow removal policies indicate that the association is only responsible for common areas. This includes community roads, sidewalks that don’t border private property, parking lots, shared driveways, pathways to amenities, and fire access routes.
It is the board’s responsibility to draft a plan for snow removal. Most communities also hire a professional service to manage these areas. Prices can vary depending on the association’s needs and the individual vendor, so it’s best to create a snow removal budget, too.
On the other hand, homeowners are individually responsible for removing snow and ice on their property. This includes private driveways, walkways, front steps, pathways leading to their private units, and sidewalks bordering their property.
Some associations separate HOA snow removal obligations between the association and the homeowners. Meanwhile, others offer the service to homeowners as part of the vendor’s community package. Payment for the costs is divided and collected through HOA fees.
Who is Responsible for Condo Association Snow Removal?
Condo associations work a little differently compared to single-family communities. In condominiums, owners don’t have driveways or front steps, so there’s nothing for them to shovel or clear.
The COA is typically responsible for snow removal in common areas. These areas include sidewalks, walkways, roads, and pathways that lead to entrances or exits. The board must also oversee snow removal from landscaped spaces.
Indoor parking lots don’t tend to accumulate snow or ice. For outdoor parking lots, the association is also usually in charge of snow removal. The cost is included in the condo fees.
That said, some condo buildings have balconies that serve exclusive units. Individual unit owners must remove snow that gathers on these balconies. Of course, not all condominiums have balconies, so most owners don’t need to worry about that.
The Importance of Hiring Snow Removal Vendors Early
Removing snow and ice is often a difficult job, especially after a storm. Board members might be responsible for this task, but that doesn’t mean they have to do it themselves. Generally, HOA boards hire a professional snow removal service to handle the removal.
Due to demand, associations may have difficulty finding a contractor on the spot. This is why it’s important to lock down an HOA snow removal contract ahead of time.
Board members should hire a snow removal service long before the winter season begins. A good timeline is somewhere between May and August. This gives the board enough time to go through the vendor selection process and settle on a vendor that meets its criteria. It also ensures that the HOA has a vendor on retainer come wintertime.
When drafting the agreement, board members should pay attention to the triggers. Typically, contracts will specify that removal will begin after a certain amount of snow has fallen. Since Chicago law requires properties to comply with a set timeframe, contracts should be adjusted to reflect these requirements.
Boards should also consider triggering services when roads and sidewalks become icy and dangerous, regardless of snow depth. This will help the association prevent accidents within the community.
Most vendors also apply pre-treatment 24 hours before a storm is scheduled to hit. This is done to stop ice from bonding to the surface, thereby reducing accidents.
A Good Decision
Clearly, HOA snow removal should be a top priority for residents and associations alike. Allowing snow and ice to accumulate not only poses safety risks to cars and pedestrians, but it also likely violates Chicago rules. Either way, an HOA management company can help boards navigate snow removal effectively.
Hillcrest offers HOA management services to communities in Chicago. Call us today at 630-627-3303 or contact us online to request a proposal!
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