20-Plus Sidewalk Tickets Issued In Vernon From Last Snowstorm

VERNON, CT — The winter storm that dumped about a foot of snow on Vernon last week resulted in more than 20 tickets being issued for failure to properly clear sidewalks.

A town ordinances requires the removal of snow and ice from sidewalks within eight hours of the end of a winter storm, and imposes a $50 fine for failure to do so.

Vernon Police and the town’s zoning enforcement officer issued the tickets.

"It is important for property owners and occupants to clear snow and ice from sidewalks so that people can safely get around our community," Vernon Town Administrator and Emergency and Risk Management Director Michael Purcaro said. "Failing to remove snow and ice can leave sidewalks treacherous, especially to those with mobility difficulties, and cause people to walk in the roadway, which is unsafe. I am urging property owners to be responsible and ensure the sidewalks on their property are cleared and safe."

The Town has recently established a new ticketing system for the zoning enforcement officer to "support Vernon police" with enforcement efforts.

"Our preference is to seek cooperation from property owners and gain voluntary compliance with our snow removal ordinance," said Zoning Enforcement Officer Andy Marchese. “Short of that, we will enforce the ordinance with tickets and fines."

Vernon Ordinance No. 11-1 requires owners or occupants of any building or piece of land to clear sidewalks within eight hours of the end of a storm, or within eight hours of the sidewalk becoming icy. It provides for a $50 per day fine for violations. The fine increases to $99 if not paid within 15 days.