Ulm tightens winter rules: Sidewalks must be cleared by 7 AM or face fines
Ulm's Waste Management and Utilities (EBU) Reminds Residents of Winter Sidewalk Clearance Obligations
With winter just around the corner, Ulm's Waste Management and Utilities (EBU) is urging property owners and tenants to fulfill their legal duty to clear snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to their properties. Under city regulations, residents must shovel snow and spread grit when surfaces become slippery—because another cold snap is inevitable.
The clearance and gritting requirement applies on weekdays from 7:00 AM and on Sundays and public holidays from 8:30 AM until 8:30 PM. Sidewalks must be kept safely passable along the entire length of the property, with a minimum cleared width of 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) to ensure smooth and hazard-free pedestrian traffic. Where no sidewalk exists, the obligation extends to the edge of the adjacent roadway or pedestrian zones up to 5 meters (16 feet) from the property line.
De-icing Salt Banned—Use Sand or Grit Instead The use of thawing agents such as salt is prohibited across Ulm due to its severe environmental impact, damaging trees, plants, soil, waterways, and harming both domestic and wild animals. Residents are instead advised to use abrasive materials like sand, gravel, or granulate. Free grit is available at EBU's recycling centers.
Salt may only be used in exceptional hazard situations—such as freezing rain, steep inclines, or stairways—where black ice cannot be effectively eliminated otherwise without disproportionate effort. EBU calls on all affected residents to meet their responsibilities and help maintain public safety.
EBU's Winter Road Maintenance: Keeping the City Moving On public roads and bike paths, EBU ensures mobility even in harsh winter conditions. Some 60 staff members and 21 snowplows stand ready, with ample salt stockpiled for emergencies. During critical weather, crews begin operations as early as 2:00 AM, following a prioritized action plan.
Clearance Priorities: - Federal and main roads within the city - High-risk areas, including hills and bridges - Bus routes and heavily trafficked commuter streets - Key connections between neighborhoods and main thoroughfares in outlying districts
Additional roads are cleared as capacity allows. Dedicated plows service bike paths, with priorities set according to the city's network plan.
EBU asks all road users to support winter maintenance efforts by not obstructing snowplows with parked vehicles. To allow plows to pass safely, a minimum clearance width of 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) must be maintained. Together, we can keep Ulm's streets safe and accessible this winter.
