[Ord. No. 2014-02, 6-17-2014]
This article shall be known and cited as the "Snow Emergency
Ordinance of the Charter Township of Meridian."
[Ord. No. 2014-02, 6-17-2014]
The purpose of this article is to expedite the prompt removal
of all parked and stalled motor vehicles and trailers from Township
streets, during periods of heavy snowfall or ice, when such motor
vehicles and trailers impede snow removal operations and cause serious
traffic congestion; and to authorize the Township Police Chief, or
designee, to declare a snow emergency alert during such periods in
the interest of preserving and protecting the public health, safety
and welfare.
[Ord. No. 2014-02, 6-17-2014]
For the purposes of this article, the following terms, phrases,
words, and their derivations all have the meanings ascribed to them
in this section.
Every vehicle which is self-propelled.
The Charter Township of Meridian Police Chief or designated
representative.
A declaration of a snow emergency publicly announced at the
direction of the Police Chief, which is announced by means of broadcast
and/or telecast from stations with normal operating range covering
the Township, including, but not limited to, cable television. The
declaration may further be made in a newspaper of general circulation
when feasible.
The entire width between the boundary lines of every way
or route which is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular
travel.
Any type of vehicle hauled or towed by a motor vehicle, which
may include, but is not limited to, a camper trailer, utility trailer,
boat trailer, horse trailer, snowmobile trailer, or motorcycle trailer.
[Ord. No. 2014-02, 6-17-2014]
(a)
In the interest of the public health, safety and welfare, the Township
Police Chief may declare a snow emergency when ice or snow has accumulated
or is significantly likely to accumulate to such an extent as to impede
safe travel upon the streets in the Township.
(b)
A snow emergency shall take effect immediately after its declaration.
(c)
Upon declaration of a snow emergency, the Police Chief or designated
representative shall immediately publicize the snow emergency and
parking prohibitions contained in this article in a manner reasonably
calculated to inform the public of the requirements of this article.
[Ord. No. 2014-02, 6-17-2014]
(a)
After the initial notice of a snow emergency alert has been given
as provided in this article, any motor vehicle or trailer parked on
any street within the Township shall be removed in accordance with
the following schedule:
(b)
The snow emergency shall remain in effect until terminated by announcement,
except that any street that has been completely plowed and is substantially
clear of snow and ice, from curb to curb, for the length of the entire
street shall be excluded from the snow emergency.
[Ord. No. 2014-02, 6-17-2014]
Whenever a motor vehicle or trailer becomes stalled or disabled
for any reason, on any portion of a street to which the snow emergency
parking prohibition applies, the person operating the motor vehicle
or trailer shall take immediate action to have the motor vehicle or
trailer towed or pushed off the street. No person shall abandon or
leave his or her motor vehicle or trailer in any street (regardless
of whether the person indicates, by raising the hood or otherwise,
that the motor vehicle or trailer is stalled), except for the purpose
of securing assistance during the actual time necessary to go to a
nearby phone, or nearby garage, automobile service station, or other
place of assistance and return without delay.
[Ord. No. 2014-02, 6-17-2014]
(a)
Any person in violation of this article is responsible for a municipal civil infraction pursuant to § 1-8 of the Township's Code of Ordinances. Each and every violation of this article is a separate offense, and each and every day that any violation of this article continues is a separate offense.
(b)
The penalties provided by this section shall be owing in addition
to any damages, costs or attorneys' fees which may be found owing
to the Township or any other person in any civil litigation related
to any nuisance arising out of a violation of this article.
[Ord. No. 2014-02, 6-17-2014]
In any proceeding for a violation of this article relating to
parking, leaving, or abandoning a motor vehicle or trailer, proof
that the particular motor vehicle or trailer described in the complaint
or citation was parked or left in violation of this article, together
with proof that the respondent named in the complaint or citation
was, at the time of such parking, the registered owner of the motor
vehicle or trailer, shall constitute a presumption that the registered
owner of the motor vehicle or trailer was the person who parked or
left the motor vehicle or trailer at the location at which the violation
occurred.
[Ord. No. 2014-02, 6-17-2014]
Any motor vehicle or trailer parked or left on any street in
violation of this article constitutes a public hazard and an obstruction
of traffic, and the Meridian Township Police Department is hereby
authorized to immediately remove and impound the motor vehicle or
trailer. No person may recover an impounded vehicle without first
paying the cost of towing and storage, and impound fees, notwithstanding,
and apart from, any fine which may be imposed for violation of this
article.
[Ord. No. 2014-02, 6-17-2014]
An owner of a vehicle who occupies a premises that does not
have a driveway shall be exempt from the requirement to move the motor
vehicle or trailer in the event of a snow emergency. The owner of
the motor vehicle or trailer, upon application to the Police Department,
will receive a special parking permit, which shall be displayed in
the front-side window on the driver's side of the motor vehicle
or trailer.
