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Fenton aldermen approve ordinance to curb commercial snow dumping into streets
Summary
The Board of Aldermen approved a proposed ordinance to prohibit plowing or pushing snow from private lots into public streets, adding language to allow enforcement against property owners or contractors; penalty set at $500.
The City of Fenton Board of Aldermen voted to accept a proposed ordinance that would prohibit private parties from placing plowed snow or ice into public streets and rights-of-way, focusing enforcement on commercial lots and contractors rather than ordinary residential shoveling.
Public works director Dan Howard told the board the measure is aimed largely at commercial operators who push plowed material from parking lots into roadways, creating large mounds that impede traffic and risk damaging city plows. "We'll make sure it's front and center, and our newsletter goes out to the business. We could do a mailing on that," Howard said, describing planned outreach to businesses after the ordinance is adopted.
The ordinance as drafted included residential property but board members discussed excluding normal residential shoveling. "It can be drafted to not include residential," said Erin (staff member). Aldermen ultimately asked staff to add language making clear the rule targets large-volume commercial operations and to allow enforcement against the party contracting the work as well as the person performing it; the motion passed with the additional verbiage.
The code's general penalty was cited during discussion: a fine of $500. Board members discussed the practical challenge of identifying a moving contractor during snow events and said the city may pursue the property owner or contracting business when enforcement action is required.
The board directed staff to notify businesses about the new rule after adoption, including placement in city mailings and business license communications, so contractors and lessees are aware of enforcement and fines.
Board action: Alderman Claus moved to accept the proposed ordinance with additional verbiage specifying enforcement against property owners and/or persons performing the plowing; Alderman Jokers seconded. The motion carried.
Why it matters: Placing large quantities of plowed snow into public streets has repeatedly created traffic hazards, blocked mailboxes and sidewalks, and risked damage to city equipment during recent storms. The ordinance gives enforcement options and a public-notification plan to reduce repeat incidents.
What remains: Staff will finalize the ordinance language to exclude routine residential shoveling and will publish guidance to the business community after adoption.
