Snow Removal

LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW!

Depending on who you are, it’s either a pleasure or pain… and it’s part of the reality of the place we live. The white stuff. Snow.

Here are FAQ’s regarding the City of Carey’s snow removal policy and procedures. 

Q. When does the City plow streets?

A. The Public Works Department monitors the snow accumulation during storms to estimate if and when plowing will be required. Once there is an accumulation of approximately 3” of snow, whether it be from one large storm or several small storms, the city crews plow all city streets. Plowing does not normally start until late in the evening or very early in the morning. This is so the street crew can plow snow more efficiently with less traffic and fewer cars parked on the streets. Plowing during the daytime hours becomes hazardous to drivers due to the low speeds (14 mph) of the snowplows as well as piles of snow that are pushed into intersections. Working during the night makes it possible for the snow removal equipment to back up to clean intersections. There are times that some plowing will be completed during the day time if large amounts of snow have fallen.

Q. Does the City sand and salt streets?

A. Depending on street conditions, Intersections where traffic stops due to stop signs, signal lights, pedestrian crossings and school areas, and hospital emergency entrances are sanded with a sand/salt mixture which improves traction and helps to melt the ice. Full streets are not sanded. Some spot sanding will happen on curves.  From November through March, there are two street department employees on call. These employees are called out at the request of the Mayor and other City officials to sand problem areas, repair signs, and other varied tasks.  

A. Because snow removal, street cleanup, and street repairs all come from the same budget, the money spent on snow removal draws funds from street repairs and maintenance during the spring and summer

Q. Are there special parking restrictions during the winter? Why?

A. Carey City Ordinance #2016-08 Prohibits overnight parking on ALL city streets within the city limits in such a manner or time as to interfere with snow removal, traffic flow or maintenance of public right of way. From 2 a.m. to 7 a.m. from December 15th to March 1st is the timeline that is ordinance will be enforced. This restriction helps to keep the streets clear of parked cars when the street crews are plowing the streets, which improves efficiency and safety.

Q. Whose responsibility is it to clear the sidewalk of snow and ice?

A. The property owner is responsible to keep the sidewalk clear of snow and ice in front of their property. The City only plows the sidewalks in a limited area of town, at City-owned properties, and on pathways. Sidewalks and pathways that are cleared by the City are generally plowed once there is 1” of accumulation. This usually happens in the early mornings and is made difficult by vehicles that may be parked on or near the curbs.

Q. Why does the snowplow push snow onto my sidewalk and into my driveway?

A. Snow from the streets is pushed as close to the curb as possible in order to keep the roads clear for safe traveling as well as parking. The crew does their best to keep the snow off of sidewalks. In areas where the sidewalks are against the curb, it makes it difficult for the crew not to push the snow onto the sidewalk. Some snow from the major streets in the City is hauled off in order to assist in the buildup.

Q. Where can I put the snow from my sidewalk, driveway, or parking lot?

A. It is illegal to push or throw snow from a driveway, parking lot, or sidewalk into or across the City street. Snow must be stored outside of the City street. If you don’t have sufficient space on your property for snow storage, there are many local contractors that you can hire to haul away the snow.

Thank you for helping us take care of your snow removal needs!

Report a problem here.  The street department will be notified and respond as soon as possible.