Snow Removal Information

Snow & Ice Control Program

The primary objective of the city’s Snow and Ice Control Program is to provide for the safe and efficient flow of vehicle traffic on city streets and maintain access for emergency response during periods of inclement, winter weather. 

The Operations Division of the City’s Public Works Department utilizes a proactive approach to snow and ice control. Priority 1 & 2 streets are pretreated with liquid and/or granular deicing materials, prior to snowstorms, to prevent the formation of ice and accelerate the melting of snow. 

Snow and ice removal operations are divided into three (3) Priorities:

Priority 1: Primary streets that are considered main thoroughfares, as well as roadways adjacent to schools, hospitals and police or fire stations. These streets may be pre-treated with liquid and/or granular deicing materials prior to storm events to prevent the formation of ice and accelerate the melting of snow. Priority 1 streets are shown in Red on the Snow Plow Map. 

Priority 2: Minor thoroughfares that allow for neighborhood access to Priority 1 streets as well as I-70 frontage roads. These streets may be pre-treated with liquid and/or granular deicing materials prior to storm events to prevent the formation of ice and accelerate the melting of snow. Priority 2 streets are shown in Green on the Snow Plow Map. 

Priority 3: Hilly residential streets where pavement traction may be required for vehicles to access properties. These streets are typically not pre-treated prior to storm events. Priority 3 streets are shown in Blue on the Snow Plow Map. 

• Other residential or low volume streets will not be plowed or treated unless a snow event occurs with accumulations of 10 inches or more, between December 1 and March 1 of each year. In those cases, crews will plow the centers of all residential streets to create one passible lane. 
• The city does not plow alleys. Alleys are too narrow to allow for plowing or placement of plowed snow. 

For more information, refer to the Snow Removal map and the Snow Plow Tracking Map. 

Sidewalks

Property owners must remove snow and ice from all sidewalks adjacent to their property within twenty-four (24) hours after each snowfall of two inches or more. (Municipal Code Section 16-68)

The city’s Parks & Recreation Department plows snow from sidewalks that are adjacent to city facilities, parks, or other city-owned land.

Depositing Snow & Ice (Municipal Code Section 15-27)

• It is illegal to push snow from parking lots or from sidewalks or driveways into the public right-of-way. Violators may be fined.
• It is illegal to deposit snow or ice against a fire hydrant or traffic control device such as a traffic signal pole. 

How can residents help?

• Drive with caution and anticipate delays. Don’t drive unless you must.
• Be patient. It is impossible to clear all streets immediately.
• Do not attempt to stop a snowplow or obstruct its path.
• Do not push or shovel snow into the street. It is illegal to place snow from private property, driveways, or parking lots onto the public right-of-way.
• Be understanding. The city is doing its best to provide service in extreme conditions.