Twitter
Facebook
Residents off base must remove snow between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. A path large enough for two people to get by must be cleared.
Residents living off base in German communities must know the rules regarding snow and ice on sidewalks. They should check their rental contracts to find out about their obligations. The rental contract clearly states who must keep sidewalks free of ice and snow.
Usually, home owners turn this obligation over to their renters. As soon as there is a danger of black ice, renters or landlords must throw salt, sand or gravel on walkways. Snow must be swept so pedestrians can walk. It’s important to note, in some communities residents are not allowed to use salt because it can damage the environment and sidewalk tiles may come loose.
Home owners or renters do not have to clear the whole sidewalk of ice and snow, but they must clear a path so two people can get by. They do not have to remove snow if it continues snowing, but it must be removed 15 to 30 minutes after it stops snowing.
The snow must be removed in a way that does not impact traffic.
In most communities, sweeping snow and throwing salt, sand or gravel must be done between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. on workdays. On weekends, the snow removal obligation starts at 9 a.m. The general rule is to first sweep off the snow, then throw salt, sand or gravel.
In extreme weather, the cleaning procedures must be repeated throughout the day. If renters are, according to their contract, obliged to take care of cleaning their sidewalks, they must find somebody to do it for them if they will not be able to because of sickness or work.
If pedestrians get hurt due to sidewalks that were not properly cleaned, home owners or renters can be held liable. They might have to pay for medical treatment, compensation and sometimes even a fine.
