Title
An Ordinance to Amend Sections 4:60 and 4:61 of Chapter 49 (Sidewalks) of Title IV (Streets and Sidewalks) of the Code of the City of Ann Arbor (ORD-24-12)
Memorandum
The proposed amendment modifies Ann Arbor's Snow Removal ordinance as follows:
It differentiates between single-family (R1), two-family/duplex (R-2), townhouse (R3) zoning districts and multi-family residential (R4), which includes apartment buildings and apartment complexes, for snow removal requirements.
Snow and ice that has accumulated prior to 6:00 am on sidewalks adjacent to property not zoned R1, R2, R3 (i.e. multi-family, commercial, etc.) must be removed by noon.
Snow, greater than 1 inch, must be removed within 24 hours after the end of each accumulation from sidewalks adjacent to property zoned R1, R2, and R3.
The ordinance allows Community Standards to send 24-hour notices, and issue infractions to, an "owner's agent" which should lead to faster response times for rental units owned by an out-of-state entity.
The definition of an "owner's agent" includes agents registered with Rental Housing under Chapter 105 (Housing Code) and Chapter 97 (Short-Term Rentals). Those databases have better contact information than BS&A, which only lists the owner and does not include email addresses and phone numbers.
It adds "electronic communication" as a method for notifying owners, agents, or occupants that the snow wasn't shoveled. This will allow Community Standards to email the required 24-hour notices (the first time snow or ice is not removed) to agents of rental units, instead of posting a notice which may not get their attention.
It increases the fines, and has mandatory minimum fines for residential and non-residential violations, as follows:
- R1, R2, R3: $60-$100 for 1st offenses; $100-$250 for 2nd offenses; $200-$400 for subsequent offenses;
- R4 (Multi-family) and other non-residential: $250-$500 for 1st offenses; $400-$800 for 2nd offenses; $500-$1,000 for subs...
Click here for full text