Sioux Falls Issues Shoveling Extension

by Ashley Kringen, Reporter
February 12, 2013 7:06 PM


Residents in Sioux Falls usually have 48 hours to clear their sidewalks of snow or ice, following a storm.

After this past weekend’s storm, the city has issued an extension, which some residents said they’re relieved about.

"I'm 72 years old, all work takes a lot of strain on me anymore," said Ellerbroek.

Steve Ellerbroek, a Sioux Falls lifer, shoveled for nearly seven hours on Tuesday.

He was happy to hear about the city extending the deadline to clear all sidewalks until Thursday afternoon.

"You really don't just shovel ice. You have to chip it, I've got a chipper over there," said Ellerbroek.

After Ellerbroek found out about the shoveling extension he decided to leave part of his sidewalk until the Thursday deadline, with the hopes that Mother Nature might help melt some of it away.

"If you have a unique mix of freezing rain or ice and snow, we also understand that presents additional challenges for citizens," said Darrin Smith.

Darrin Smith, Director of Community Development said this extension gives people more time to get the job done, because ice build up affected people throughout the city, making walkways harder to clear.

"It was particularly bad in some neighborhoods that got more rain on the front end of the snow or maybe the drainage is different for example in their neighborhoods than others," said Smith.

Ellerbroek said he's relieved to have more time to shovel, while avoiding fines, giving him more to relax and enjoy the day.

"I've had enough and now as long as there's a two day extension, I don't have to get it all done," said Ellerbroek.

The deadline to clear sidewalks is on Thursday at two p.m.

If city workers get a complaint about a sidewalk not being clear, officials will investigate the situation and issue warnings if necessary.

If sidewalks aren't clear within 24 hours of a warning, contractors will remove the snow or ice, and the homeowner will get the bill.