Board allows 30 days for homeowner to resolve sidewalk ticket after winter storm

A Windsor Locks zoning board on Wednesday agreed to give a homeowner 30 days to resolve a sidewalk citation issued after a winter storm, after the property owner said the tenant — who is disabled — did not know the notice had been posted.

The property owner (identified in the record as Resident) told the board he rents the house and that his landscaper reported the sidewalk had “less than an inch” of snow. "He didn't even know there was a tag in the house," the resident said, presenting photographs of the sidewalk and asking the board for leniency.

Staff noted the town ordinance requires sidewalks to be cleared within 24 hours after the snow stops. "Our ordinance says 24 hours from when the snow stops," the staff member said during the meeting. Staff also said the town has in the past accepted photographic evidence to void a citation once, and that officers sometimes issued tickets up to 48 hours after a storm.

Board members pressed for clearer recordkeeping. One member suggested adding a time stamp on citations so property owners can verify when an enforcement officer visited. Staff said citations in yellow envelopes are intended to be conspicuous and explained the town's process for voiding tickets if proof of timely clearing is provided.

The board set a 30‑day period for the cited party to resolve the citation. Staff further explained that if a sign deposit was held, the applicant may bring the required documentation to the office after the decision is posted and filed; the posting must appear in the paper for 15 days and the approved documents must be filed in the clerk’s office to be considered a legal record.

The vote recorded support from the members present.