CHAPTER 55
Town of Wilson Snow & Ice
Sidewalk Removal Ordinance
55.01. Authority & Purpose
This ordinance is adopted under authority granted by Wis. Stat. § 66.0907 and § 60.61–62.23, aiming to promote public safety and well-being by requiring timely sidewalk snow and ice removal by adjacent property owners.
55.02. Definitions
• Snow/Ice: Any accumulation on sidewalks from natural precipitation or freezing.
• Owner/Occupant: Person in charge of a building fronting a public sidewalk.
• Town: Town of Wilson, Sheboygan County.
55.03. Duty to Clear
Owners/occupants shall remove snow/ice from sidewalks adjacent to their property within 24 hours after the snow/ice event ends. If ice cannot be removed, the sidewalk must be treated with sand, salt, or a chemical ice remover eCode360.
55.04. Prohibited Conduct
• Depositing snow/ice onto any street, alley, sidewalk, or public property is prohibited.
• Watering from roof eaves must not flow onto sidewalks.
55.05. Enforcement & Abatement Procedures
• If the Town receives a complaint or observes non-compliance after the 24-hour deadline, it will issue a notice of violation, requiring compliance within 24 hours.
• If not complied, the Town may perform the removal and charge the property owner for labor, materials, and equipment (including a 30% administrative surcharge), plus a minimum fee (e.g., $10 per action) eCode360.
• The Public Works Director will maintain detailed records for each abatement and send statements to owners.
55.06. Recovery of Costs
Unpaid removal costs and associated charges shall be reported to the Town Board before November 1 each year. Unless otherwise directed, these charges shall be placed on the tax roll as a special charge and collected alongside property taxes.
55.07. Penalties
Violations may result in:
• A forfeiture fine (e.g., $50–$100) per offense, consistent with Wis. Stat. § 66.0907 allowing fines for neglect.
• Additional enforcement actions as deemed appropriate.
55.08. Town Liability
Engaging in abatement does not transfer liability for injuries arising from snow/ice conditions. The Town retains standard governmental tort protections.
55.09. Severability
If any provision is deemed invalid, the remaining provisions remain in effect.
55.10. Effective Date
This ordinance shall take effect upon passage and publication and applies to all snow/ice events occurring thereafter.
WNAXLP
October 27 2025
LWIX0395574