Winter weather is here and here to stay… for a while anyway. And, as part of the winter season, the Lake Orion Police Department reminds everyone that they must all be aware of their duty to remove snow and ice from all public sidewalks adjacent to their business and residential property.
‘As the old adage goes, ‘we know who you are? if you violate this needed ordinance,? Chief Jerry Narsh said. ‘But more importantly, ‘Your customers & business neighbors know who you are? and failure to maintain a safe and approachable sidewalk could lead to a loss of sales and a loss of traffic to your business.?
The village ordinance is similar to those of most other communities in Oakland County.
In addition to a civil infraction fine being issued, those failing to meet ordinance requirements may be subject to removal costs and the possibility of civil liability that always exists when known hazards are present.
Narsh reminds both business and residential properties must remove all snow and ice accumulation within twenty-four hours of accumulation from sidewalks adjacent to any house, premises, building or lot, forming a part of the public street.
The owner, occupant or person or corporation in control thereof shall remove said snow and ice in a manner to render the sidewalk safe to persons and property traveling thereon.
Snow and/or ice that remains longer than twenty four hours shall result in fines and penalties being incurred and may subject the responsible party to removal costs.
‘Let’s do all we can to ensure 2007/2008 winter season is the safest on record in Lake Orion,? Narsh said.