Snow Removal

Department of Public Works crews are responsible for plowing eight miles of state highway, 26 miles of major streets, 63 miles of local or residential streets and three miles of alleys.

Crews prioritize plowing in the following order: 1) state highways and major streets, 2) residential street stops, hills and corners and 3) residential streets, alleys and cul-de-sacs. Typically, plowing only takes place in residential neighborhoods when snowfall accumulates more than three inches.

Salt is applied to ice as needed on state highways, major streets and in critical areas, such as stops, hills and corners. Depending on the severity of conditions, crews may also spot treat ice on local residential streets. 

The following list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) outlines snow removal procedures: 
  1. How does the City decide which streets get plowed first?
  2. How do City crews respond to ice on roadways?
  3. Why do the City snow plows push snow into my driveway and who is responsible for clearing the snow?
  4. I just shoveled my sidewalk. Why did the City snow plow push snow on it?
  5. Why is the snow plow operator driving so fast considering the road conditions?
  6. Can snow from my driveway be pushed across the street?
  7. When does my sidewalk need to be cleared and whose responsibility is it?
  8. Who do I contact if a city snow plow hits my mailbox?
  9. What if landscaping or irrigation in the right-of-way is damaged?
  10. Who do I contact if a City snow plow damages my lawn?
  11. What about people who are physically not able to clear sidewalks adjacent to their property?
  12. Why does the code not include a warning for snow removal?
  13. Are there instances where the city code does not apply, for example, if I live on a school route?
  14. Can I still be ticketed for failure to remove snow and ice even if I am on vacation or on winter break from school?
  15. If I'm ticketed, what are the fines?
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