(A) Salt storage.
(1) Purpose. The city understands that lakes, rivers, streams and other bodies of water are natural assets which enhance the environmental, recreational, cultural and economic resources and contribute to the general health and welfare of the community. The use of salt and other deicing materials on sidewalks, parking lots, private streets, and driveways is a common practice; however, scientific studies on the use and storage of salt and deicing materials have demonstrated a relationship between stormwater runoff and certain health and environmental concerns. The purpose of this Section is to regulate the use of salt and deicing material storage areas within the city in order to protect, restore and preserve the quality of its waters.
(2) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definition shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE. A constructed hard surface that either prevents or retards the entry of water into the soil and causes water to run off the surface in greater quantities and at an increased rate of flow than prior to development. Examples include, but are not limited to, concrete, asphalt, or gravel roads.
(3) Application. Any commercial, institutional, or non-NPDES permitted industrial facility that uses salt and/or deicing materials for winter operations must:
(a) Designate a salt storage area that is either covered or indoors;
(b) Ensure the salt storage area is situated on an impervious surface; and
(c) Implement practices (sweeping, diversions, and/or containment) to reduce exposure to the stormwater system when transferring materials within that area.
(B) Ice and snow removal.
(1) General rule.
(a) Sidewalks. The owner or occupant of any property adjacent to a public sidewalk must use due diligence to keep the entire sidewalk free from environmental hazards and safe for pedestrians. No owner or occupant may allow ice or snow to remain on the sidewalk longer than 12 hours after its deposit. Ice and snow remaining on a public sidewalk longer than 12 hours is a public nuisance.
(b) Trails. The city or county will clear ice and snow from all trails.
(2) Notice. The city will serve notice upon the owner and occupant ordering that the ice and snow be removed within 24 hours. Notice must be served pursuant to Chapter 94.
(3) Removal and assessment. Following service of the notice, if the owner or occupant fails to comply, the city may remove the nuisance and assess the costs pursuant to Chapter 94.
(4) Deposit on public street. It is unlawful for any person to deposit or cause to be deposited snow from private property or right-of-way onto a public street.
(2001 Code, § 810.07) (Ord. 17-06, passed 6-12-2017; Ord. 22-017, passed 12-12-2022)