Donna Reed Miller’s snow plan: Bigger shovel

You’ve heard the phrase “digging deeper.”  Philadelphia could soon force businesses and homeowners to “dig wider” this winter.

Currently the city requires property owners to clear a 30 inch wide path on snowy sidewalks.  Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller says that’s not wide enough for the disabled to navigate so her bill mandates a 36 inch wide path.

“It’s going to be difficult for some people, but it’s also difficult for those individuals who are wheelchair bound and strollers or coaches or whatnot trying to get their children from one place or another.”

Miller says she expects the regulation to be approved, but admits enforcement won’t be easy.  It would be enforced by the same Streets Department personnel that issue litter tickets to homeowners and businesses. Here is the exact wording of the current code.

Philadelphia Code 10-720, “The owner, agent and tenants of any building or premises shall clear a path of not less than 30 inches in width on all sidewalks abutting the building or premises withing 6 hours after the snow has ceased to fall.” Failure to comply in Philadelphia sidewalk snow removal could result in penalties ranging from $100 to $300, and residents can also be penalized for dumping the snow from their sidewalks into the street.

Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller represents the 8th District, which includes Chestnut Hill, Mt. Airy and Germantown.

We want to know what you think of Miller’s snow removal plan. Are you willing to shovel a 36 inch wide path?