Do Not Put Snow in the Road

This Simsbury Police Department has received many complaints of residents and contractors plowing and snow blowing snow into and across the streets. This can cause many problems including accidents and making it difficult for town and state plows to clear the roads for all to use.

This is not a request, but part of the town code. A fine can be levied for noncompliance.

Below you will find a summary of Chapter 137-1, Snow and ice removal, [Amended 2-28-1994] of the Simsbury Town Code Book. As a homeowner/business owner it is your responsibility to tell your contractors not to clear your driveway by pushing the snow across and into the streets.  

Winter maintenance is required. The owner, agent of the owner or the occupant of any building or land bordering upon any street, square or public place within the town where there is a sidewalk must remove all snow, sleet and ice within a period of 24 hours after the cessation of the snow, sleet or rainfall.

When the sidewalk or any part is covered with ice, the owner, agent of the owner or the occupant of the building or land adjacent must, within the space of two hours after sunrise, clear sidewalks to be safe and convenient by removing the ice or by covering the same with sand or other suitable substance. 

Property owners' exemption for town-maintained walks. The provisions of this section does not apply to owners, agents or occupants of buildings or land bordering sidewalks for which the Town of Simsbury has, by agreement, assumed the responsibility for removal of snow and ice or for covering the same with sand or other suitable substance to make them safe and convenient.  

No person, firm or corporation can plow any snow or ice from any private property across any town street or highway, nor can any person, firm or corporation place or cause to be placed any snow or ice from any private property upon a town street or highway.  

Enforcement provisions. It is the duty of the police force, under the direction of the Chief of Police, to see that the foregoing provisions relating to snow and ice are strictly complied with; and the Chief of Police will report cases of neglect to the offending party, whose duty it is to cause all walks reported as being neglected to be properly cleaned or protected.  

Fine for noncompliance. Persons who violate any of the provisions of this section or refuse or neglect to comply with the same after notification are guilty of a misdemeanor and will be fined $90 for each offense and also be liable for the costs incurred by the town to remove snow and/or ice and sand the walk. All costs shall be a lien on the property until paid, as per the provisions of Connecticut General Statutes Section 7-148(c) (6) (C).