Kyiv Implements Stricter Snow Clearing Regulations
The Kyiv City State Administration (KCMA) has issued a new set of mandatory snow and ice removal rules for all businesses and institutions. Property managers are now legally required to promptly clear adjacent areas, with fines for non-compliance ranging from 340 to 1700 hryvnias. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko recently held a meeting with district administration heads specifically focused on winter maintenance. These rules are part of a broader effort to improve public safety during Ukraine's harsh winters.
Specific Requirements and Timelines
Under the updated municipal code, the area to be cleared extends to the curb of the roadway or up to 10 meters from building facades. All enterprises, organizations, and institutions, regardless of ownership, must not only remove snow but also:
- Clear roofs and canopies;
- Cordon off hazardous sections;
- Remove transported snow within 24 hours.
Sidewalks must be cleared no later than 30 minutes after snowfall begins, with re-clearing required every 90 minutes to prevent ice formation. Furthermore, de-icing must be done using granular, salt-free sand. Dumping snow onto roadways, sidewalks, green spaces, or into water bodies is strictly prohibited.
The new regulations have drawn criticism from the business community. Prominent businessman Harik Korogodsky expressed dissatisfaction, stating:
“Businesses already clear snow, but not all have the capacity to do so.” - Harik Korogodsky
He also questioned the rules' practicality and enforceability, highlighting ongoing issues with municipal infrastructure and funding. The announcement has thus generated a mixed reaction among entrepreneurs, who are concerned about potential fines and the logistical challenges of meeting the stringent requirements.
While the primary goal of Kyiv's new snow removal policy is to enhance street safety and accessibility in winter, the business response indicates that compliance may impose significant financial burdens, particularly on smaller enterprises. This situation underscores the need for further dialogue between the city and stakeholders to ensure the rules are both effective and realistically achievable.