Darien PD Reminds Stores: Shovel Sidewalks After Snow/Ice Events

DARIEN, CT — The Darien Police Department is reminding shops and commercial property owners that the town's Snow Removal Ordinance (Sec. 66-5) requires the owners of property abutting sidewalks to remove snow and ice from their sidewalks.

According to officials, the ordinance requires that this must be done "within 24 hours of the snow or ice being formed or having been deposited upon the abutting sidewalk." Those in violation are subject to a fine under the ordinance of $90 per day that the condition persists.

"As always, we try to take a reasonable and common sense approach to the enforcing of this ordinance," police officials said. "Town officials are looking first and foremost for voluntary compliance from property owners simply to ensure the safety of all pedestrians. Infractions, with the monetary fine attached, will be used when reasonable compliance efforts are not taken in a timely fashion."

A reasonable effort must be made, especially in the high pedestrian usage areas such as around schools and in the commercial business districts, to make the sidewalks passable, officials added.

"People walking in the street, especially around parked cars and mounds of snow which might hamper driver visibility, is very dangerous. Thank you for your cooperation."