It's still your responsibility to remove snow from sidewalks, but Toms River has slightly changed its policy on how the local ordinance requiring as much is enforced.
Previously, according to Township Administrator Paul Shives, the local ordinance requiring snow to be removed from sidewalks in town called for the township to remove the snow using its employees, then placing a lien on the property for the value of the work.
Under a new ordinance adopted recently, the township council voted in favor of doing away with liens and levying a simple fine.
Under the new ordinance, residents or tenants who fail to remove snow in front of their homes are subject to a fine of $100 for the first offense and $200 for each subsequent offense, not to exceed $1,000 total.
Penalties won't be assessed until after a resident is notified of a violation.
""The snow removal ordinance passed at Tuesday's meeting is not about punishing homeowners, it's about public safety," said Council President Maria Maruca. "Toms River Township needed to have a policy in place that increases the safety for school children and other pedestrians using our sidewalks.
"We have had a very difficult winter, and with residents doing their part, our community will get through any snow emergency and ensure our sidewalks will be returned to safe and passable conditions quickly and efficiently."
The ordinance will be enforced by the township's Division of Code Enforcement, the ordinance said.
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