Olean Common Council has unanimously approved a new snow ordinance. Parking regulations under the new law will not change, but what is changing is how they will be enacted. Previously, winter parking restrictions were enforced after 7 inches of snow fell within a 24-hour period. Now, Mayor Bill Aiello is allowed to declare a “snow event” during periods of increased snowfall, sleet or freezing rain after meeting with the director of Public Works and city fire chief. When a snow declaration is made there will be no parking on main roads between 3 and 7 am after 4 inches or more of snow has fallen. Parking will be prohibited on side streets between 8 am and 4 pm on that day. Violators will be ticketed and fined $50 for each infraction.
City lawmakers also approved a new local law that requires all landscaping and snow removal contractors to register with the city.