Dover council advances first reading of snow-sidewalk ordinance after debate on door‑hanger warning and staff safety

The Dover City Council on the first reading advanced Ordinance 2025-05, amending Chapter 98, Section 98‑5, to clarify property owners' and tenants' duty to maintain sidewalks and landscaped areas in the public right of way.

The ordinance, which the council scheduled for a final vote on May 12, 2025, formalizes an appeals process and sets a $100 citation for violations. Council members debated whether the ordinance should require a door‑hanger warning (option A) that would prompt code officers to visit a property twice before issuing a citation, or omit the door‑hanger (option B) while retaining appeal rights.

The measure matters because council members said clear rules and an effective appeals process affect pedestrian safety and the workload and safety of city code officers. Councilwoman Martin said the warning would add staff time and potentially not change outcomes: "The purpose of the fine is to change behavior. We've acknowledged that we are not looking to generate any kind of revenue to do this." Eddie Kopp, the city's chief code enforcement officer, described the options and said of the door‑hanger approach, "The warning system would require a door hanger prior to any citation being issued. So it does extend the compliance an additional 24 hours." Kopp warned that sending officers to post door hangers in snowy, icy conditions increases risk and reduces city coverage: "There's a great potential for workman's comp claims." He added that staff had experienced slips, including an incident last year in which a posting resulted in a cut requiring stitches.

Supporters of the warning said it provides homeowners an extra chance to comply and helps avoid penalizing residents when post‑plow dumping places snow back onto a cleared sidewalk. Councilman Rosha said the city should not fine residents if city plowing later re‑covers their sidewalks: "We cannot hold someone accountable with a $100 fine if we're creating a problem of safety at the same time." Opponents of the door‑hanger said the extra step would halve coverage and leave large parts of the city unaddressed during storms.

Council members discussed outreach alternatives to a door hanger — seasonal notices, social media, utility‑bill inserts, Meals on Wheels and other senior channels, public radio announcements and robocalls — to alert residents before or during winter storms. Staff said the city will expand digital and bill‑based notices and that social media reaches many residents but acknowledged seniors may not use those channels.

After extended discussion, council members moved to have both options (A: door‑hanger warning; B: no door‑hanger) available for the final reading, with staff asked to provide comparative data from other municipalities on door‑hanger use and any documented staff injuries, plus information about outreach methods. Council members expressed willingness to eliminate the door‑hanger if it proved to create an undue hazard for staff.

The ordinance language presented retains a 24‑hour compliance window and an appeal right for citations; the only difference between A and B is whether an officer must post a warning in person before citation. The clerk recorded the first reading and the council carried the introduction voice vote unanimously.

Council members said the aim remains pedestrian safety — ensuring sidewalks are passable so people are not forced into the roadway. The final vote and the council's choice between the two enforcement options will take place at the scheduled second reading on May 12, 2025.