SWAMPSCOTT-Zoning By Law Review Committee Chairman Chris Drucas readily admits the new snow and ice bylaw could be a tough sell.The current bylaw, which has been criticized by numerous town officials for being too vague, prohibits obstructing a public street or sidewalk by placing or causing to be placed therein any article, including snow.Drucas said the draft of the proposed bylaw is more specific and clearly outlines the duties of the property owner in regards to snow and ice removal.?A snow and ice bylaw has been before Town Meeting before,” he said. “It didn’t pass but from the input we’ve received it is clear many people believe there is a need for this bylaw.”Drucas said the proposed bylaw, which is modeled after existing bylaws in Salem, Lynn and Boston, requires property owners to clear the fully paved path or a path that is a minimum of 42-inches wide. If the bylaw is passed, residents would be required to clear sidewalks of snow and ice within 24 hours after the snow stops. Sidewalks abutting businesses would have to be cleared of snow and ice within six hours after the snow stops if it ceases to fall in the daytime and before noon if the snow stops during the night.?Compliance with the duty to remove ice is considered achieved if the ice is made level and completely covered with sand, sawdust, or other appropriate material to prevent slipping,” the bylaw reads.If the town adopts the bylaw, a first time offender could be fined $25 and each subsequent offense is punishable by a fine of $50. The proposed bylaw allows each day that a violation exists to be considered a separate violation with a maximum fine of $150 per storm for failure to remove snow and ice.The sidewalk obstruction ordinance also requires property owners, lessees and occupants to keep sidewalks clean and free of other obstructions including vegetation, dirt and debris. It also includes overhanging vegetation and other obstructions that obstruct free passage along the entire width of the paved area of the sidewalk.Sandwich board or tent signs, which must not be larger than 30 inches by 28 inches, are allowed only with advance approval by the Board of Selectmen and the bylaw requires prompt removal after the advertised event.Drucas said a copy of the bylaw should be available online this week at www.town.swampscott.ma.us. Drucas said the committee would schedule a meeting on April 30 with Town Meeting members to an answer questions about the proposed bylaw.