Public Works Operations

Snow and Ice Control

Citizen Responsibilities

Residents are responsible to maintain their sidewalks adjacent to their property. Please pile the snow on your yard not in the street. This is required by ordinance. A helpful hint for residents on snow routes--clear your sidewalk after the snow plows have finished plowing your street.

All parked, stalled, or abandoned vehicles may be towed from designated emergency snow routes at the owners expense. County Ordinance 11.20.130.

Handicapped, elderly, or other individuals unable to clear snow from their sidewalks may choose to contact someone to do this job for them such as Clergy, Boy Scouts or volunteers.

Snow Removal Priorities

The County’s present snow control policy establishes the following priorities:

First Priority: All major arterial streets considered to be the minimum network which must be kept open to provide a transportation system connecting hospitals, fire stations, police stations, and emergency medical services.
Second Priority: Minor arterial streets and those streets serving public schools, selected hot spots such as steep hills.
Third Priority: Collector streets and those additional streets serving public transportation.
Fourth Priority: All remaining streets such as residential and local streets.
Fifth Priority: Cul-De-Sacs

Emergency Snow Conditions

Keep in mind the snow removal equipment is harder to stop than a regular vehicle and is less maneuverable.

Equipment operators may work 12 hours or more in a shift and appreciate courteous and friendly drivers and pedestrians. Please help them help you.

Common Questions About Snow Control

Can’t the County remove the snow they put in my driveway and sidewalk?
Some snow will come off the blade onto driveways. When you consider the large number of driveways and amount of sidewalks in the County it is too costly and time consuming to use additional people and equipment to perform this service. Our primary duty is to open and keep open the main roadway system.

Can I park my car on the street?
It is illegal to leave a car parked in the street November through December. County Ordinance 11.20.130. Having to swerve a snowplow in and out between parked vehicles is not only dangerous, but also nerve wracking for our drivers. We also cannot do an efficient job with parked vehicles on the street. Also your car could be plowed in with a snow bank.

How long until my streets are plowed?
We make every effort to accomplish the following:

Main Streets plowed within 8 hours after the storm ends
Residential Streets plowed within 48 hours after the storm ends
Cul-de-sacs plowed within 48 hours after the storm ends

Citizen Concern Form

Concern or Questions . . . email pwOps-online@slco.org