Snow removal (nonfiction)
Snow removal
Two Harbors, Minnesota
Comments:
In Two Harbors (and under Minnesota law), a neighbor cannot legally push snow from their boulevard into the boulevard in front of your house. Minnesota Statute **160.2715** prohibits obstructing public rights‑of‑way, and local ordinances require each property owner to manage snow adjacent to their own property. Piling snow in front of your house creates an obstruction and can expose the neighbor to liability.
- 📜 Relevant Laws & Ordinances
- **Minnesota Statute 160.2715:** Makes it unlawful to deposit snow onto a public roadway or right‑of‑way. This includes pushing snow into areas that obstruct traffic or pedestrian use.
- **Two Harbors City Code (Sec. 9.20 – Snow Removal):** Requires property owners to keep sidewalks and boulevards adjacent to their property clear. Snow cannot be moved in a way that obstructs another property’s frontage or public use.
- **General Property Owner Responsibility:** Minnesota cities enforce ordinances requiring owners to clear snow from sidewalks adjacent to their property. Failure to comply can result in fines, city removal at the owner’s expense, or liability if someone is injured.
- ⚠️ Risks if a Neighbor Pushes Snow into Your Boulevard
- **Legal liability:** If someone slips, crashes, or is injured because of the snow pile, the neighbor could be held responsible.
- **City enforcement:** The city can order removal, fine the responsible party, or bill them for cleanup.
- **Property disputes:** Even if the boulevard is technically city right‑of‑way, each adjacent property owner is responsible for keeping their frontage clear. Shifting snow into your frontage violates that duty.
- 🧭 Practical Steps
1. **Document the issue:** Take photos of the snow pile and note dates/times.
2. **Check Two Harbors ordinances:** The city clerk or public works department can confirm enforcement procedures.
3. **Address neighbor directly:** A polite but firm reminder that city code prohibits pushing snow into another frontage often resolves the issue. 4. **Escalate if needed:** If the neighbor continues, report it to Two Harbors Public Works or the police non‑emergency line.
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✅ **Bottom line ** In Two Harbors, your neighbor cannot legally push snow from their boulevard into yours.
Each property owner is responsible for their own frontage, and Minnesota law prohibits obstructing public rights‑of‑way. If it continues, you have grounds to raise it with the city.
Sources: Two Harbors City Code Sec. 9.20; Minnesota snow removal responsibilities.
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