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Dover council adopts sidewalk and snow-removal ordinance; fine cut to $50, city drops door-hanger warning
Summary
City council adopted an amended ordinance requiring property owners or tenants to maintain sidewalks and rights-of-way, established an appeal process and reduced the enforcement fine from $100 to $50. Council selected the version without a door-hanger warning system (option B).
The Dover City Council approved an amended ordinance amending Chapter 98 (duty to maintain sidewalks and landscaped areas) that clarifies timing, creates an appeal process and reduces the maximum fine for violations from $100 to $50.
Eddie Cobb, the city's chief code enforcement officer, briefed council on staff's two alternatives: Option A would add a warning system, including a door-hanger; Option B would not include a warning door-hanger. Cobb said staff revised the ordinance to "clarify the ordinance, develop a appeal process, and to change the timing" and described the appeal mechanism.
"So the process of the appeal is is pretty simple," Cobb told council. "We just ask for it in writing, whether it's an email, letter, just any form of writing, it could be sent to me at the city clerk's office.... So it can be as simple as the email. We do have a form to where if they needed to come down here, they could fill it out." The appeal process was presented as the means for residents to explain exceptional circumstances such as disability or inability to clear snow.
Council members raised concerns about seniors and disabled residents who may lack the ability or resources to clear sidewalks. Several members proposed outreach steps such as seasonal notices on utility bills, social media alerts, HOA flyers and a contractor list to assist residents. Counsel cautioned that any contractor referral list should include disclaimers and vetting for licensing and insurance to avoid city liability.
Councilman [Royce] Lewis moved to amend the fine from $100 to $50, saying many residents face economic hardship and that the ordinance was only now being enforced rigorously. The amendment to lower the fine passed on roll call 9–0. Council then voted to adopt the ordinance with Option B (no door-hanger warning); the final vote was 9–0.
The ordinance as adopted also required staff to update cross-references in the code (section 98-12) to reflect the new fine amount. Enforcement will proceed under the revised text; the city clerk will receive appeals in writing and forward them as part of the new review process.
