Council discusses amending property maintenance code to enforce sidewalk snow removal

City staff presented proposed approaches to enforce the existing sidewalk, snow and ice provisions in Milford’s property maintenance code and councilors discussed balancing enforcement with elder residents’ needs and schoolwalk safety.

Rob (city staff) walked the council through the current code language that makes property owners responsible for keeping sidewalks “in good repair, in safe condition, and free from snow, ice” and the existing penalty range under the general provisions (a fine of $100 to $500). He noted that the code currently requires snow and ice to be removed “no longer than 12 hours of daylight after it had ceased snowing,” and that enforcement has been relaxed in recent years because extended snow events were rare.

Staff outlined three enforcement approaches: (1) retain the existing ordinance and issue fines after notice; (2) modify the property maintenance code to add a contractor‑removal remedy (modeled on the city’s tall‑grass enforcement), allowing the city to hire a contractor to remove snow and bill the property owner; or (3) adopt a targeted notice system (door hangers or taped notices) with a short removal deadline before charging fines. Rob said the grass‑cutting approach uses a notice, a contractor remedy and a chargeback system (an example rate of $100 per man‑hour plus inspection was given for grass removal) and that a similar model could be developed for snow removal.

Councilors expressed concerns about charging elderly or low‑income residents who cannot clear sidewalks and asked staff to ensure landlords receive notice when tenants do not clear sidewalks. One councilor highlighted school redistricting that will increase walking routes for children and said uncleared sidewalks can force children onto roadways.

When asked how notices would be delivered, Rob said the city’s standard mailed notices can be slow and recommended a door‑hanger or taped notice for snow events so property owners are informed while the snow remains. He said: “We wouldn't just go out and do it, we would issue a notice on the door of the house.”

Rob said the code does not currently allow the city to remove snow and charge the owner; adding that language would require amending the property maintenance code. He offered to draft specific ordinance language and proposed notification timing if the council wants staff to pursue a contractor‑removal remedy.

Ending: Councilors asked staff to draft language that would include a warning notice and an option to hire a contractor if residents fail to clear sidewalks; staff agreed to return with proposed amendments including notification methods and example contractor rates.