Community Corner

[Updated] Police Calls Serve as an Example of Snow Ordinance Enforcement

Sidewalks must be cleared of snow and ice.

Updated: Tuesday, 8:27 a.m.

On Friday at 2:42 p.m., Vernon police responded to a complaint at 95 Hartford Turnpike for an "ordinance violation - unshoveled sidewalk."

Police responded to another sidewalk complaint on Monday at 3:19 p.m. at Oakmoor Drive and Merline Road.

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Four more complaints were called in on Tuesday between 75 and 133 Merline Road.

The sidewalk, which runs in front of Connecticut Golf Land, is now clear, but the call illustrates the requirement that the property owners whose land borders sidewalks clears them of snow and ice.

It's Sec. 11-1 of the town's Code of Ordinances and it lays out the requirement that eight hours after a snowfall or eight hours after sunrise of the snowfall takes place after 8 p.m., sidewalks must be made "safe for travel."

The same goes for sidewalks that have iced over.

The fine for failing to clears the snow, ice or both, is $50, said Lt. William Meier, a public information officer for the Vernon Police Department.

Shoveling even has its rules. When clearing a sidewalk or driveway, snow should not be thrown into the street.

The same $50 fine applies.

A copy of the ordinance is attached.

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