By 8 a.m. Thursday, Lawrence property owners need to have their sidewalks cleared of snow or run the risk of a city fine.

The city’s snow removal ordinance gives property owners 48 hours following the end of a snowfall to clear the public sidewalks that run through their properties.

Brian Jimenez, the city’s code enforcement manager, said his office will begin accepting complaints about uncleared sidewalks at 8 a.m. on Thursday.

“There are probably hundreds of properties across the city that fall into the category of noncompliant,” Jimenez said.

The city, however, does not patrol the city looking for properties that are out of compliance with the ordinance. Jimenez’s inspectors respond to complaints. But he said inspectors are instructed to look at adjacent properties when they are out responding to complaints.

If found in violation, property owners — not tenants — are sent a notice of violation through the mail. Property owners have the opportunity to contest the violation in Lawrence Municipal Court. The standard fine for violating the ordinance is $20, plus $60 in court costs.

The ordinance generally requires property owners to clear the sidewalk of snow and ice so that it is passable for pedestrians. If ice is difficult to remove, the ordinance does allow for sand to be spread over the ice.

People who want to file a complaint about a sidewalk can call 832-7700 after 8 a.m. Thursday or by using the city’s online code enforcement reporting system.