(a) It shall be the duty of the owner of each and every parcel of real estate in the Village abutting upon a sidewalk to keep such sidewalk free of snow and ice and to remove therefrom all snow and ice within twenty-four hours after the abatement of the precipitation or storm during which such snow and ice have accumulated.
(b) The responsibility for snow and ice removal shall be that of the owner of the real estate abutting the sidewalk. If the real estate is being purchased on land contract, the term “owner” shall include both the seller and the land contract purchaser and the responsibility for the removal shall be determined by such owner and purchaser. If the real estate is leased, the owner may require that the tenant be responsible for sidewalk snow and ice removal, however, such agreement shall be between the owner and the tenant and will not alter the responsibility of the owner to comply with this chapter.
(c) If the snow and ice have not been completely removed within twenty-four (24) hours from the sidewalks abutting the owner’s property, such failure to remove shall constitute a minor misdemeanor. Each twenty-four (24) hour period the violation continues after the time for completion of the removal has expired shall constitute a separate offense.
(d) If the snow and ice have not been removed within the time set forth herein, the Village may itself remove the snow and ice therefrom or may contract to have such snow and ice removed. The Village Administrator shall establish a schedule of costs involved, including overhead and collection costs. The Village Administrator shall invoice the appropriate abutting property owner, which invoice shall be paid within thirty days. In the event such invoice is not paid within thirty days, the matter may be referred to the Village Solicitor for collection, or may be certified to the County Auditor for collection with the real estate taxes.
(Ord. 07-17. Passed 1-24-08.)