City of Leavenworth announces expanded snow removal services

LEAVENWORTH — This winter, the City of Leavenworth will remove snow on all residential sidewalks, including residential zones not previously maintained by city staff.

The city’s phased snow and ice removal on pedestrian paths will begin with sidewalks identified as safe routes to school, US-2 sidewalks and crosswalks, and walkways on and sidewalks adjacent to city-owned properties, which includes City Hall, Festhalle, Front Street Park walkway and Gazebo stairs, and the Icicle Train Station platform.

Once phase one is complete and staffing capacity allows, snow removal will continue on to other sidewalks within residential and multifamily zones.

The city previously lacked a system for clearing snow on residential sidewalks, which is necessary to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In January of this year, city staff recommended amendments to the policy to address this gap, ensuring safer and more accessible walking paths that met compliance. After multiple discussions, Leavenworth City Council approved Resolution 23-2025 in September, which approved amendments to Snow and Ice Maintenance Policy to include residential sidewalks. The city plans to revisit the policy after the 2025-2026 winter in order to evaluate its effectiveness and make any necessary revisions.

However, property owners in commercial zones are still required to clear snow from sidewalks that directly abut their property within 24 hours after the end of a storm. Property owners and residents are also responsible for removing snow berms created at private driveway entrances by city plowing operations.

The city begins snow maintenance operations when snow accumulates to three inches or more. Snow and ice removal of sidewalks is completed after emergency and collector street routes are cleared.