Snow Removal
The Street Department and Blue Earth County take responsibility for clearing snow and ice from all public sidewalks and roads. Homeowners are responsible for snow removal on sidewalks in front of the property and to the home (Review Ordinance 96.03 & 96.05). The goal is to clear snow from city streets as efficiently and quickly possible. It can be difficult for snowplows to control exactly where they deposit piles of snow. This may result in snowplows pushing snow onto sidewalks or street corners, sometimes after a sidewalk has already been cleared. Even though a street has been plowed and sanded, drive carefully, there still may be slippery spots.
When a snow emergency is called, please review the Winter Parking Rules & Regulations so the street department can clear roadways efficiently.
Criteria to Begin Snow & Ice Control Operations
- Snow accumulations & drifting
- Icy pavement conditions
- Wind conditions
- Timing in relation to traffic
Conditions may change rapidly during and event that may change the immediate operations. Each snow and ice event is unique.
The Street Department needs your help!
- Be prepared for winter driving and delays
- In the event of significant snowfall, have all vehicles off of the street
- Clear snow from around mailboxes
- For garbage and recycling collection days, keeps bins in an area clear of snow and ice
- Clear all sidewalks in front of and leading up to your home
- Don't throw snow from sidewalk and driveway into the street or alley, it's against the law
- Don't "break through" a windrow, take an alternate route
- Adopt-a-Hydrant - help the fire department to keep hydrants clear of snow
- Don't crowd the plow
- Be patient, plowing the whole city takes time