Despite what you see, Philadelphia is enforcing shovel rule

Philadelphians are legally required to shovel a 36 inch wide path within six hours of the end of a snowstorm.  There are still plenty of treacherous snow-covered sidewalks out there, but the city insists it is enforcing the law: so far this winter Philadelphia has issued 855 tickets for uncleared sidewalks. 

Art Museum neighborhood resident Lori Arnold is still fighting a different sort of ticket she got from the city: for allegedly having trash mixed in with her recyclables.  She's outraged by the recycling fine, but she said ticketing people for not shoveling is a lot more reasonable.

"Shoveling your sidewalk is a part of public safety," Arnold said.  "It's a part of contributing to the community as a whole.  It makes it difficult for people to get around and Philadelphia is so pedestrian-friendly.  The difference between that and the recycling is, they're opening your trash.  I see it as a violation of privacy. Shoveling your sidewalk?  Yeah, I think you should do it."

Last winter, the city issued just over 4,000 tickets for snow-covered sidewalks.

Non-shovelers risk a $50 fine.