The Wethersfield Town Council recently approved a change to Ordinance 139-1, Removal of obstructions that allows the Town to impose a fine of $50 a day to any property owner who fails to remove an obstruction on a sidewalk or public highway. The property owner will have 48 hours to remove the obstruction after notice from the Police Department, or be subject to this fine. An obstruction is defined as any impediment on a sidewalk or public highway that interferes with the safety of pedestrians or motor vehicles, and includes such things as grass clippings, brush, refuse, rubbish, and leaves. Property owners that fail to comply with this ordinance will not only be fined, but may also be billed for the cost of removing the obstruction by Town employees.
One of the more significant changes to the Ordinance is the application of these fines and charges to any unscheduled leaf collection provided to residents as a result of the placement of leaves that are determined to be an obstruction on a public highway. The ordinance clearly states that "at no time shall leaves or other materials be placed upon the paved portion of a public highway." Anyone who puts leaves in the street after the leaf pickup season, will be fined.