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Norwalk committee clarifies snow-and-ice rule, sets 24-hour clearing requirement
Summary
The committee moved to public hearing a revision to city code that clarifies private property owners must clear sidewalks and adjoining driveway aprons within 24 hours after a weather event; staff said the change tightens vague language and that enforcement and fines remain governed by state law and the city's fee schedule.
The Norwalk City Ordinance Committee on March 17 voted to send to public hearing a clarification to city code that would require property owners to clear snow and ice from sidewalks and adjoining driveway aprons within 24 hours after a weather event ends.
Council Member Ann Winter Strand, who led the item, said the change "provides clarity" compared with the prior phrase "reasonable time," and that staff reviewed neighboring municipal rules when crafting the 24-hour standard. DPW staff and the city chief explained the ordinance applies to sidewalks and defined aprons; trails such as the Norwalk River Valley Trail are treated differently under existing agreements and are not the primary target of the enforcement language.
Committee members asked about enforcement and fines. Staff noted municipal authority under state statute caps typical fines at $250 per day and that the committee can refer fee-schedule adjustments to the Public Works Committee. Members also discussed a public-education campaign and publishing an online map that distinguishes sidewalks from footpaths and trails. The committee voted to move the ordinance to a public hearing in April.
