It happens countless times every winter: some hapless homeowner suddenly finds himself ticketed and fined for improperly removing the snow from his property. How the snow is removed isn’t the issue, of course. It’s where the snow is dumped that causes the problem.
Most municipalities have strictly enforced rules about where removed snow may be deposited. If you’re using TLC’s snow removal services to clear your snow, then there’s no need to worry – we’ll do the job right. But if you’re handling your own snow removal, you should be aware of the rules.
The Consequences Can Be Severe…
Violating municipal codes that regulate snow removal can have very dire consequences. Because while it’s true that most municipalities will ticket and fine you for violating the rules, that’s not the worst of it.
If you’ve violated the rules, and an accident results, you could be sued for damages. If you’ve piled up a large mound of snow along the side of the street, for example, and a motorist hits the mound, you could be sued. Or if an accident results because your pile of snow blocked the view of oncoming traffic, you could be sued.
So if you violate the rules and escape with just a ticket and fine, you might count yourself lucky.
Check Your Local Ordinances
The rules vary a bit from city to city. You should be aware of the rules that you’re required to comply with in your municipality. But the rules typically forbid the depositing of snow in city streets, or piling the snow such that it impedes the vision of motorists.
In some locales, the city is permitted to push snow from the road onto your property during snowplowing operations. But you’re not permitted to push that snow back onto the road. If you need to move that snow, you must move it to another part of your property, and not onto public property.
If you’re handling your own snow removal chores, it’s worth investing a bit of time to be sure you’re up-to-date on the rules. Even if you’re hiring someone to clear your snow, it’s your responsibility to be sure that the job is done properly.
(If TLC is handling your snow removal, don’t worry – we’ll make certain the job conforms to local laws. But unfortunately, not all operators are so conscientious.)