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Council reviews draft sump‑pump ordinance to curb street icing, seeks more detail on enforcement
Summary
Council reviewed a draft ordinance that would require new sump pumps to discharge to private property and allow the borough to require reconfiguration where pumps create hazardous street icing; members asked for clearer enforcement thresholds, permit and fee guidance, and homeowner assistance resources.
Council members and staff discussed a draft update to Highland Park’s sump‑pump ordinance intended to reduce street icing and related winter hazards.
Terry, presenting the item, said the draft would grandfather most existing sump-pump configurations but allow the borough to require reconfiguration where a pump causes hazardous sheet ice on public roadways or crosswalks. “If we find that, we can knock on your door and say you gotta reconfigure this and have it be rerouted to drain on your front yard,” Terry said, describing a case‑by‑case enforcement approach with engineering review and potential exceptions handled by the borough engineer.
Council members pressed for objective enforcement criteria, asking how the borough would define a chronic or hazardous discharge, whether permits would be required, and whether permit fees could be waived if the borough required repairs. Members also requested homeowner-facing guidance and recommended an FAQ or coaching approach so residents know appropriate remedial options and contractor expectations. Several members urged the draft be returned to committee for more detailed language about thresholds, permit mechanics and homeowner assistance before introduction.
Terry and staff indicated the ordinance is likely to be introduced next year; for now council asked the public‑works and environmental committees to refine enforcement triggers, permit rules and potential fee waivers.
No formal action was taken at the study meeting; councils agreed to return the draft to committee for additional work and community guidance.
