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Committee reviews draft §97.02 requiring property owners to clear sidewalks; penalties and fee process outlined
Summary
The committee reviewed the full text of draft ordinance §97.02, which would require owners/tenants to remove snow or ice in excess of 2 inches within 48 hours, exempt certain residential units and indigent/disabled residents, impose a $250 administrative fee for city removal, and allow appeals to the Board of Nuisance Abatement.
The Safety Committee packet included the full text of proposed §97.02, "Removal of Ice, Snow or Other Obstructions from Sidewalks and Collection of Costs." Under the draft language, the owner or tenant of property abutting a public sidewalk would be responsible for removing accumulated snow or ice in excess of 2 inches within 48 hours of the end of the snow event or the end of a declared snow emergency.
The ordinance text specifies exemptions for tenants in residential buildings with more than four units, and for homeowners or tenants determined by the Director of Public Safety to be indigent and over 80 years of age — or indigent and disabled — provided they register on forms before the event. Violations would be a minor misdemeanor, with each day constituting a separate offense.
If the city removes snow on behalf of a property owner, the owner would be charged the removal costs plus a $250 administrative fee; notice would be served and an objector may request an administrative hearing before the Board of Nuisance Abatement. If the board determines the amount is due, the Director of Public Safety may certify the expense to the Clerk of City Council to be entered on the county tax duplicate as a lien per cited R.C. §§715.261 or 731.54. The transcript contains the ordinance text but does not record committee debate or a vote on the measure.
