Remember to keep your sidewalks free of snow

Thermopolis Police Chief Julie Mathews wants to remind property owners of the town codes regarding maintaining and removing snow from public sidewalks.

Sec. 7-513. Same – Maintenance of existing and new public sidewalks

No materials, cut vegetation, tree limbs, vehicles or obstruction of any type shall be placed on or over (less than seven feet (7’) above the walking surface) the required public sidewalk width. Maintenance of and liability for the public sidewalk is the responsibility of the adjoining private property owner, including, but not limited to: removal of snow within seventy-two (72) hours of each snowfall, removal of debris, removal of overhanging vegetation, removal of overhanging tree growth to a height of seven feet (7’) above the walking surface, removal of all obstructions, replacement, repair, or other condition that may render the public sidewalk unusable or hazardous. The private property owner shall maintain the adjoining public sidewalk, regardless of who installed it or when it was installed, in a safe and non-hazardous condition at all times and replace or repair that portion of public sidewalk located between his or her property and the public street.

Sec. 7-514. Same – Penalty

Any property owner who violates any provision of sections 7-510 though 7-513 is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $750.00. The imposition of one penalty for any violation shall not excuse the violation or permit it to continue and all such persons shall be required to correct or remedy such violation or defect within a prescribed time. When not otherwise specified, each day that prohibited conditions are maintained, shall constitute a separate offense. Application of the above penalty shall not be held to prevent the enforced removal of prohibited or hazardous conditions. The current property owner(s) of the adjoining private property, at the time of the enforcement, shall be charged with and held accountable for the provisions of sections 7-510 through 7-513.