(a) Whenever snowfall has reached an accumulation of two inches or more, or when the sheriff of Williams County has declared a level 3 snow emergency, or when the Chief of Police, or the Chief’s designee, has determined that the snow and/or other weather conditions have increased the risk to public safety and that parked vehicles may interfere with snow removal crews, a snow emergency may be declared by the Chief of Police, or the Chief’s designee.
(b) During a “snow emergency” no person shall park a vehicle on any street which has been designated a snow emergency street.
(1) Designated snow emergency streets are as follows:
A. The 100 block through 500 block of West Main Street;
B. The 100 block through 200 block of North Jonesville Street;
C. The 100 block of South Jonesville Street;
D. The 100 through 200 block of Empire Street;
E. The 200 block through 400 block of West Washington Street;
F. The 200 block through 400 block of West Madison Street; and
G. The 100 block of Broad Street.
(2) The Manager shall have the authority to designate additional snow emergency streets and such designation shall become effective at such time as emergency snow street signs are posted along the street.
(c) Once a snow emergency has been declared all vehicles that are parked on any public street (other than those designated as a specific snow emergency street) must be removed from the public street for a period of 24 hours after the most recent snow fall ends to allow for snow removal. This does not include off-street or terrace parking.
(d) When a snow emergency is declared the Chief of Police or the Chief’s designee shall make reasonable effort to communicate such declaration to the public. This shall be completed by means of radio, television and/or social media.
(e) Police officers are authorized by this section and further under Codified Ordinance 303.08 to provide for the removal of, and impounding of any vehicle found in violation of this section. The registered vehicle owner shall be prima facie liable for unlawful parking.
(1) When an officer locates a vehicle which is causing an obstruction for traffic or the proper cleaning of streets, the officer shall make reasonable effort to contact the registered owner to personally remove the vehicle from the street.
(2) A list shall be maintained by the Police Department of any vehicle removed and the location to where it was towed.
(f) No snow emergency shall remain in effect for more than 72 hours without prior approval of the Manager.
(g) A violation of this section shall constitute a minor misdemeanor. (See penalties under Section 303.99). (Ord. 2181. Passed 2-9-15.)