Citing “extreme circumstances” brought about by close to 3 feet of snow in the span of one week, Boulder police announced Friday that residents who do not clear their sidewalks will not be subject to penalty through the end of the extended snow event in which the city is still mired.

“Considering the extended period of snow and the extremely low temperatures, we want to be reasonable,” Code Enforcement Supervisor Jennifer Riley said. “We don’t want anyone getting hurt trying to remove thick ice, trying to keep their walk clean …

“This is a little beyond normal, so we’re trying to be reactive and keep everyone’s best interests in mind.”

Typically, the city gives residents 24 hours, beginning when the National Weather Service declares a particular snowstorm over, to clear any public sidewalk adjacent to their respective properties.

Those who fail to do so are liable to incur a civil penalty, as the city may send a contractor to come clear snowy sidewalks. When that happens, property owners are asked to cover the cost of the contractor, plus a $50 administrative fee.

“The whole goal with that is to get the sidewalk clear,” Riley said, of that regulation. “If I write you a ticket to court, the sidewalk is still unsafe. This way, the person who is violating the law is still getting the same type of fine, but we’re actually clearing the sidewalk.”

Riley said the adjusted enforcement will continue “as long as the current weather conditions persist and until we return to normal weather patterns.”

She added that officers will still address properties that have not made any reasonable efforts to do what they can to make their walks passable.

After two significant snowstorms this week, and more snow expected Saturday, Boulder already has shattered the record for most snow ever in February — and could break the mark for snowiest month ever recorded.

By Friday morning, the city had seen 54.6 inches of snow in February. The record for Boulder’s snowiest month ever, set in 1970, is 56.7 inches.

The city is also encouraging neighbors to assist one another with snow removal. Riley said the Ice Busters program, which clears snow for those unable to do it themselves, is in “desperate need” of volunteers.

“Normally, and especially now,” she added.

Prospective Ice Busters can apply to volunteer online.

Alex Burness: 303-473-1389, burnessa@dailycamera.com or twitter.com/alex_burness