2014-12-11 - Snow and ice amendments — File 198292

CITY OF SOMERVILLE ORDINANCE NO. 2014-____ In Board of Aldermen__________ Be it ordained by the Board of Aldermen, in session assembled, that the Code of Ordinances of the City of Somerville are hereby amended as follows: A. Section 1-11(a) is amended by adding the following sentence at the end of the paragraph: In order to determine the number of offenses under this section, each offense for the property in the same calendar year shall be counted, except that snow removal violations shall be counted from October 1 through May 1 of the following year. B. Section 1-11(b) of the Code of Ordinances is amended by striking the language providing for penalties for violations of Sections 12-8 and 12-9 and adding in their place the following: Offense Fine Enforcing Personnel Sidewalk Snow and Ice Removal (12-8) -- Residential single, two and three family dwelling 1st offense: $50.00 2nd offense: $100.00 3rd and subsequent offense: $200.00 DPW commissioner; inspectional services; traffic & parking Sidewalk Snow and Ice Removal (12-8) – Residential dwelling – four or more dwellings; commercial property 1st offense: $150.00 2nd and subsequent offense: $300.00 DPW commissioner; inspectional services; traffic & parking Snow or Ice Generally Prohibited from Being Placed in Street (12-9) – Residential single, two and and three family dwelling 1st offense: $50.00 2nd offense: $100.00 3rd and subsequent offense: $200.00 DPW commissioner; inspectional services; traffic & parking Snow or Ice Generally Prohibited from Being Placed in Street (12-9) – Residential dwelling – four or more dwellings; commercial property 1st offense: $150.00 2nd and subsequent offense: $300.00 DPW commissioner; inspectional services; traffic & parking C. Section 12-8(c) is amended by inserting after the last word in the paragraph the following words “and the city may place a lien against the property for expenses incurred.”

D. Section 12-8 (a) is amended by striking the entire paragraph and replacing it with the following: The owner, occupant, tenant, or agent in charge of any land or building abutting a sidewalk in the City of Somerville shall remove all snow and/or ice from abutting sidewalks no later than 10:00 a.m. if the snow ceases to fall after sunset and before sunrise of the previous evening, or no later than 10:00 p.m. if the snow ceases to fall after sunrise. All sidewalks shall be cleared to the surface of the sidewalk, or, where it is impracticable to do so, the sidewalk shall be treated with sand or other suitable material. Sidewalks shall be cleared to provide a minimum passage of forty two inches in width, if possible. The City may extend the deadlines set forth above in its discretion. Approved: ________________________ President Board of Aldermen