Clearing sidewalks of snow is not just courtesy.
It’s the law.
Here’s what it says (thanks, RTM moderator Eileen Flug!):
“Sec. 50-407. – Business use sidewalks—Snow and ice removal.
The owner or person in possession and control of any property adjoining any business use sidewalk shall provide for the removal of snow and ice from such business use sidewalk within 24 hours after the deposit or formation of snow or ice.”
Here’s the definition of “business use sidewalk”:
“Business use sidewalk means any adjoining sidewalk abutting a public street located in any district in which business uses are permitted under the Planning and Zoning Regulations of the Town. The term “sidewalk” shall include curbing, integral, adjoining or detached, and that portion of the pedestrian walkway which crosses a driveway.”
Alert “06880” reader Molly Alger knows at least one property owner who has not complied:
I wonder where that poor guy is going to go in a couple of yards.
But isn’t tat sidewalk in the picture part of the State property easement? It may not fall under the town’s jurisdiction.
Wow. Thanks. That’s a lot of information. !!
Dan, that’s the ordinance from the town of Westport, Wisconsin! 🙂
Our own snow removal ordinance only applies to “business use sidewalks”:
“Sec. 50-407. – Business use sidewalks—Snow and ice removal.
The owner or person in possession and control of any property adjoining any business use sidewalk shall provide for the removal of snow and ice from such business use sidewalk within 24 hours after the deposit or formation of snow or ice.”
Here’s the definition of “business use sidewalk”:
“Business use sidewalk means any adjoining sidewalk abutting a public street located in any district in which business uses are permitted under the Planning and Zoning Regulations of the Town. The term “sidewalk” shall include curbing, integral, adjoining or detached, and that portion of the pedestrian walkway which crosses a driveway.”
Here’s the link:
https://www.municode.com/library/ct/westport/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOORTOWE_CH50STSIDR_ARTIVSTSI_S50-407BUUSSINOICRE
Wow. I’m an idiot. Thank you!
NOTE: If you are reading this story for the first time, please note that I have replaced the original incorrect info in the story with the correct info. — Dan
They get a lot more snow in Wisconsin….more rules!
Dan, as my 9-year-old granddaughter told me a few years ago when I said I was stupid (or an idiot), “Grandma, that’s a very harsh word”! You know you aren’t an idiot, Dan, and just made an easy mistake. It seems as though those words have disappeared from enlightened kids’ vocabularies. Hurrah.
.
Thanks, Linda!
Linda, I agree. It’s an easy mistake to make. Wikipedia lists about 20 other Westports in the U.S. alone!
Where is the ordinance that keeps the plow from plowing my driveway just after I plowed it. Just kidding, can I have my mailbox back. Still kidding the do a marvelous job and next time I see you guys Breakfast is on me.