Montana Town Has Possible Jail Time For Not Shoveling Snow

Winter weather has arrived in Montana and it looks like it's gonna be sticking around for a while. According to forecasts for Montana this winter we are going to have a pretty epic season. With snow coming to Montana, snow removal from sidewalks is now a priority.

Montana City Ordinances For Snow Removal

Different cities in Montana have different punishments for not getting your snow removed from homeowners sidewalks. Most municipalities give homeowners at least 24 hours after a snow event to remove the snow from sidewalks. There are different ordinances for different cities.

For example Missoula, Bozeman and Billings all will contract an outside source to have the snow removed and then bill the property owner, one way or another, if there are complaints. You can click the links below to read the individual cities codes.

There is a Montana city where there is a possibility of jail time if snow is not removed from sidewalks.

Before we get to that, check out these record setting weather events that have happened in Montana.

Montana's Top 10 Record-Setting Wild Weather Events

Montana is named Big Sky Country for several reasons, not only grandiose Sunsets but impressive weather events as well! Ask any Montana resident who has scoffed at the idea of tossing a blanket or snow shovel in the trunk of the car ” just in case”. Here is a list of Montana's Top 10 Record-Setting Wild Weather Events

Gallery Credit: Brian Lee

Great Falls, Montana Can Add Jail Time For Not Shoveling Snow

Great Falls, Montana has snow removal codes that can result in jail time for lack of snow removal. The Great Falls snow removal code states:

12.11.040 - Snow and ice removal—hours designated for completion.
Snow, ice, and similar material that has accumulated during the preceding hours shall be removed from sidewalks in commercial areas before 11:00 a.m. each day and shall be removed from residential areas within twenty-four (24) hours after the snowfall. Once cleared, all sidewalks shall be kept clear of snow, ice, and similar material.

This is similar to other Montana towns. But Great Falls differs from other cities, in the enforcement of the policy. When you continue to read the policy it states: "Any violation of the provisions of this chapter shall be considered a public offense punishable under the general penalty OCCGF 1.4.070." Here is what that code states:

1.4.070 - General penalty. A. Except as otherwise specified, any person convicted of a violation of any section of this Code shall be fined a sum not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00) or incarcerated for a period not to exceed six (6) months, or both.

Let's Look After Our Neighbors in Montana

Most cities in Montana ask for homeowners to check on neighbors who may be elderly or may not be able to clear the sidewalks themselves. We should all look out for our friends and neighbors and make sure that no one is punished for snow removal violations and help keep our city sidewalks safe.