Routes are plowed on a priority basis, with arterial roadways (primary access roads that provide critical connections throughout the community), collector roadways (primary access into and out of residential areas), and school routes being top priorities. Clearing those roadways first enables emergency services to access all residential areas normally within a few blocks of each residence.

Residents are responsible for clearing driveway entrances and sidewalks within 24 hours after a snowstorm to allow safe use by pedestrians. This is particularly important along school pedestrian routes to prevent children from having to walk in the street. It is requested that residents place snow from their driveways and sidewalks onto their front yard and not into the street. This practice reduces the number of icy areas on streets and ensures proper drainage flow into the storm sewer. Additionally, your lawn can use the available moisture over the winter. Commercial parking lots are prohibited from pushing snow into the public right-of-way.

Local streets and cul-de-sacs are plowed after every storm unless the snow is expected to melt over the following 24 hours. An exception is if the street has hills and curves that could become hazardous to motorists. With heavy storms, snow may not be removed until arterial roadways and collector roadways are plowed.

Plowing crews cannot flip the plow back and forth due to curved roads. Additionally, the City's plowing process on residential streets includes plowing one lane in each direction. If snow were piled higher on the side of the street that melts quicker, the residents who live on that side would have more snow to remove from their sidewalks and driveway entrances.

Cleanup and widening operations often occur one to four days after the snowstorm, depending upon the storm's severity and wind conditions. It is often necessary to widen roads to ensure ice and snow melt from the pavement surface to keep driving lanes open. Unfortunately, subsequent widening operations may push snow back onto sidewalks and driveway entrances. This next snow on the sidewalks remains the adjacent property owner's responsibility.

If an emergency situation occurs, call 911. Equipment will be diverted for emergencies ONLY WHEN REQUESTED BY AN EMERGENCY SERVICE AGENCY OR THE DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE. The Sheriff’s Office is in constant communication with public works operations personnel during snow events so snow removal equipment can be detoured to assist with emergency response.

Mailboxes installed along roadways are at the risk of the owner. Mailboxes damaged from lack of owner maintenance, heavy snow from plowing, or vandalism are not the responsibility of the City. Postal regulations require residents to clear snow from in front of mailboxes to allow for mail delivery.