Over the last week, there have been two incidents in which ice has fallen from buildings on Exchange Street and damaged cars parked on the street.
As temperatures begin to rise and melting occurs, the City continues to warn downtown property owners about falling ice and snow from the roofs of their buildings.
City ordinance (Sec. 25-174) states that it is the responsibility of property owners to remove snow and ice following winter storms.
City inspectors have been canvassing downtown streets to look for problem properties and alert business owners, ask that they begin removal efforts if necessary, and to alert patrons to possible falling ice and snow with signage.
The City’s Inspections Department has also sent more than a dozen violation letters to property owners that have been identified as needing to take corrective action. Owners have four hours from receipt of their violation notice to comply.
The City is also urging pedestrians and drivers to be aware of their surroundings and use caution. Many times when people look up at the roofs, they will not see icicles hanging, but potential dangers could still exist from ice dams.
Anyone who is aware of a problem property is urged to use the City’s Fix It! Portland. mobile app (available on iOS or Android phones) or website to report it.
