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Snow Removal Policies
Removal Priority
The Department of Public Works (DPW) is responsible for snow removal in the city right of way. Snow emergency routes receive first priority for salting, sanding, and plowing. Upon completion of clearing these routes, city crews will clear all other streets. DPW uses city crews and private contractors to remove snow and ice from city streets and public parking lots, ensuring safe travel for citizens and emergency equipment.
Clearing snow from driveways and entrances is the responsibility of the resident. Plow operators focus on clearing streets. They do not have control over the snow coming off the edge of the blade, and their plows cannot be adjusted for the sharp turns required to clear driveways.
The Department of Public Works (DPW) is responsible for snow removal in the city right of way. Snow emergency routes receive first priority for salting, sanding, and plowing. Upon completion of clearing these routes, city crews will clear all other streets. DPW uses city crews and private contractors to remove snow and ice from city streets and public parking lots, ensuring safe travel for citizens and emergency equipment.
Clearing snow from driveways and entrances is the responsibility of the resident. Plow operators focus on clearing streets. They do not have control over the snow coming off the edge of the blade, and their plows cannot be adjusted for the sharp turns required to clear driveways.
Residential Policy
Per City Code, residents must remove snow and ice from sidewalks surrounding the property 12 hours after the snow stops falling. If the snow falls at night, residents have 12 hours after sunrise to remove it.Residential Fines
Fines are within a 5-year period:- 1st Offense - $100
- 2nd Offense - $200
- 3rd Offense - $500
Commercial Policy
Commercial property owners must remove snow and ice from sidewalks surrounding the property 6 hours after the snow stops falling. If the snow falls at night, businesses have 6 hours after sunrise to remove it. Snow and ice must not be placed on city streets.Commercial Fines
Fines are within a 5-year period:- 1st Offense - $100
- 2nd Offense - $300
- 3rd Offense - $750
Need Help Shoveling?
If you need help shoveling, call Recreation & Parks at 703-248-5027 (TTY 711) for a list of teens who are available for hire.
Shovel Right
Snowplows push snow, they do not remove it. Snow mounds are created each time the trucks plow the street, including the final pass after the snow stops falling. Unfortunately, if you clear the snow mounds before the final pass, trucks will create another snow mound on its next pass. If you must shovel before that final pass, it will help if you shovel snow to the right side of your driveway as you stand facing the street.
Video below courtesy Missouri Department of Transportation.
Snowplows push snow, they do not remove it. Snow mounds are created each time the trucks plow the street, including the final pass after the snow stops falling. Unfortunately, if you clear the snow mounds before the final pass, trucks will create another snow mound on its next pass. If you must shovel before that final pass, it will help if you shovel snow to the right side of your driveway as you stand facing the street.
Video below courtesy Missouri Department of Transportation.