The purpose of this article shall be to preserve
the public peace and good order in the Village, to contribute to the
public welfare, safety and good order of its people and to contribute
to the safe conveyance of its people over the streets and sidewalks
of the Village by establishing certain regulations for the removal
of snow and ice from the streets and sidewalks of the Village that
are consistent with the rights and privileges of other residents of
the Village. It is further noted that certain snow removal practices
are a vexation and annoyance not only to the traveling public, but
to the owners and occupants of adjoining lands. It is for these reasons
and others that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Spring Valley
is compelled to legislate upon the subject matter.
[Amended 4-11-1995 by L.L. No. 1-1995]
It shall be the duty of the owner and occupant,
jointly, of every parcel of real estate adjoining a public sidewalk,
whether the parcel of real estate is occupied by a structure or not,
to keep such sidewalks adjoining such property free from snow and
ice for the full paved width of such sidewalk. Such owner or occupant
shall be liable for any injury or damage by reason of omission, failure
or negligence to keep such sidewalks adjoining such property free
from snow and ice for the full paved width of such sidewalk.
Snow and ice shall be removed from the sidewalk
adjoining the premises owned or occupied or vacant within eight daylight
hours after the end of a snowfall.
Whenever the owner or occupant of every parcel
of real estate adjoining a public sidewalk fails, neglects or refuses
to remove the snow and ice from such sidewalk adjoining such property
within the time specified in this article, the Superintendent of Public
Works may remove said snow or ice from such sidewalk and shall certify
to the Board of Trustees the cost incurred by the amount of labor,
equipment and materials used. The failure of the Superintendent of
Public Works to remove said snow shall impose no liability on the
Village nor free the owner or occupant of any obligation.
The Village Clerk shall promptly present to
the owner or occupant of each parcel a bill for the removal of snow
and ice as certified by the Superintendent of Public Works. If not
paid within 30 days, the cost thereof shall be assessed against the
property and become a lien thereon, collectible in the same manner
as delinquent Village taxes, with the same rate of interest and enforced
in the same manner.
The owners or occupants of buildings adjacent
to public sidewalks shall prevent the falling of snow, ice or water
from such buildings upon said public sidewalks.
No person, firm or corporation shall deposit,
throw, place or strew, nor shall any person, firm or corporation cause
to be deposited, thrown, placed or strewn, any snow or ice upon any
street or roadway within the Village of Spring Valley.
[Amended 4-11-1995 by L.L. No. 1-1995]
A violation of this article shall be punishable
by a fine not to exceed $5,000 or a term of imprisonment not to exceed
15 days, or both.