West Hartford residents can be fined for failure to clear snow and ice from premises within a certain period of time, and violations can be reported to the police.

When snow fell by the foot in early 2015, many residents failed to shovel all the way to the curb cut. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

By Ronni Newton

Now that winter appears to have finally arrived, Town Manager Ron Van Winkle provided a reminder of the Town’s snow removal policy in Council Briefs, his biweekly newsletter.

The requirement for snow removal is spelled out in Town Ordinance 115-24, which states: “Removal of snow and ice from premises where there is an established sidewalk is required by owners or occupants within 12 hours after a storm ends or within 12 hours after sunrise, whichever is later. The whole walk must be cleared, including curb cuts, handicapped ramps, and bus stop pads, etc.”

Violators can be subject to a fine of $79 per day, plus the cost of clearing the sidewalk.

“Heavily used sidewalks near schools and public buildings, and the commercial areas are particularly important,” Van Winkle stated in the newsletter. “Snow throwing or pushing snow into the street from a private property or business is prohibited. This practice is dangerous and impedes the Town’s snow removal efforts.”

Van Winkle also asked that residents and businesses assist the fire department by keeping the area around fire hydrants clear and accessible.

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford!