[Adopted 3-23-2015 by L.L. No. 2-2015]
This article shall be known as the "Parking During Adverse Winter Weather Local Law of the Town of Stillwater" and is intended to amend and add to the existing Town Code Chapter 196, Vehicles and Traffic, adopted by Ordinance No. 3 of 1988 and subsequently amended by Local Law No. 7 of 2009.
A.
The purpose of this policy is to ensure the public safety and welfare
during storm conditions which may cause the Town roads, streets, highways
and bridges to become hazardous to automobiles and pedestrian travel,
and to ensure adequate passage and access for emergency service vehicles,
including but not limited to police, fire, ambulance and other providers.
B.
The Town Highway Superintendent is charged with the affirmative duty
of keeping Town roads, streets, highways and bridges free from obstructions
caused by snow and ice pursuant to New York Highway Law § 140(2).
C.
Cars parked on, in, or near Town roads, streets, highways and bridges
during and after a snowfall create a temporary obstruction that interferes
with the Town Highway Superintendent's aforementioned duty, which
thereby creates a public nuisance that amounts to a substantial interference
with the exercise of a common right of the public to use a public
place, and/or by endangering the property, health, safety, or comfort
of a considerable number of persons.
D.
The Town Highway Superintendent is authorized to have said nuisances
removed as provided by New York Highway Law § 319 and by
common law court decisions.
E.
This article establishes the local policy concerning parking during
adverse winter weather as well as provides the penalties for the offense
thereof.
No person shall park or leave unattended by a licensed driver
any vehicle on the pavement or shoulder of any Town road, street,
highway and/or bridge during a period of snowfall, sleet, freezing
rain or other winter-type weather and for a period of 48 hours after
the precipitation ceases.
Upon a conviction of a violation of this article, a fine not to exceed $150 may be imposed. For conviction of a second violation, both of which violations were committed within a period of 24 months, a fine not to exceed $300 may be imposed. Upon conviction of a third or subsequent violation, all of which were committed within the period of 36 months, a fine not to exceed $450 may be imposed. Additionally, any vehicle violating the parking restriction as provided for in § 196-11, may, at the discretion of the Town Highway Superintendent, be towed immediately at the expense of the owner of said vehicle.
This article shall take effect immediately upon its filing with
the New York State Department of State, and immediately as against
any person who is personally served with a certified copy thereof
in accordance with Town law of the State of New York.
