It is the obligation of all persons clearing snow to do so in a responsible manner that is consistent with City ordinance. City ordinance seeks to be protective of public safety. Proper snow management practices are also considerate to our neighbors and those who live and work in our community. The responsibility of proper snow management applies to all snow whether it originates in the city right-of-way or on private property.
City code of Ordinance sections 106-11 and 112-372 both speak to the issue of proper snow removal.
City Right-Of-Way Snow
Snow cleared from within the city right-of-way (sidewalks, on-street parking, alleys) by property owners may be placed and piled responsibly within the city right-of-way provided that the piled snow does not:
- block or narrow a driving lane
- obstruct vision for motorists at any intersection
- otherwise threaten public health or safety
- take up public parking from other businesses without their permission
- cause damage to street amenities or trees
If any of the above conditions exist, the city may immediately issue a citation and/or have the snow removed at the expense of the person who caused the snow to be placed as a hazard or nuisance. City crews will pick up snow that is properly placed within the city right-of-way as time and resources allow.
Keep Benches, Planters, and Trees Snow-Free
Please help protect our street amenities. It is prohibited to push or pile snow against or onto city benches, planters, electrical boxes or trees. Serious damage can occur. In addition to damage, digging out buried amenities results in city snow removal operations taking significantly longer. Snow should be directed into windrows or small piles along the edge of the sidewalk.
Trees are living things and require extra care. Plowing, pushing or dumping snow against a tree can have negative impacts on its bark and roots. The salt used on roads and sidewalks can also damage trees. In order to maintain the health of our city’s trees, keep piles of snow away from the base of boulevard and sidewalk trees. A good rule of thumb is to avoid piling snow within a tree’s dripline (the extent of the tree’s canopy).
Property owners may be cited if they pile snow against or onto city benches, planters, electrical boxes or trees in the city right-of-way adjacent to their property.
Private Property Snow
City ordinance prohibits snow that originates on private property from being placed within the city right-of-way at any time. No owner, occupant, or person in charge of any land or building shall permit any person to deposit or clean snow or ice onto any part of any street, sidewalk or alley. The city may immediately issue a citation and/or have the snow removed at the expense of the person who caused the snow to be placed within the city right-of-way.
Thank you for helping to make Superior safe and accessible for everyone!
Please contact Code Compliance Officer Lee Sandok Baker at 715-395-7596 or [email protected] with questions or concerns.