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Neighborly Advice: Winter 2023/24 Edition

Neighborly Advice: Winter 2023/24 Edition


 

Sidewalk Shoveling Ordinance

Residents are required to clear snow from sidewalks within 24 hours after a storm ends. If you notice a neighbor is not shoveling their sidewalk, you can call Code Enforcement at 303-658-4432.

As for City-owned sidewalks, crews from the Parks, Recreation and Libraries Department (PRL) are responsible for shoveling those. You can call PRL at 303-658-2192 for help.

The City’s sidewalk snow removal map is also a good resource. You can view it by clicking here.

 

Snow Removal Policy

The City’s snow removal team works around the clock to keep roads safe for residents. Their work begins before the storm even arrives, with crews often pre-treating roads and preparing for plowing. If a storm leaves behind more than eight inches of snow, the City will also plow residential streets once main roads are cleared. Sometimes, based on the severity of the storm, the City will only plow residential streets near schools.

If a City plow does make it to your neighborhood, you’ll notice they only remove snow from the center of the street. This is because plowing from curb to curb would require residents to move cars parked on the street.

Approaching a snowplow doesn’t have to be a game of chance. Before you head out, you can visit our new snowplow tracker on your phone, tablet, or computer to see where our snowplows are currently located. Each City snowplow is outfitted with a GPS device that sends live information to the map, so you can see if the route you're planning to take has been plowed.

This nifty map does more than just track the large snowplows that clear our primary streets. If it snows more than eight inches and the City deploys smaller plow trucks into residential areas, then the map will track those trucks as well. You can visit the map by clicking here.

If you have a question about snowplows or our new snowplow tracker, please call the Streets Division at 303-658-2501.

 

Snowbusters Program

If you’re willing and able, shoveling snow for a Westminster neighbor in need is a great way to give back. It’s also a fun way to sneak in a workout without going to the gym! Each winter, volunteer Snowbusters deploy across the city with one mission: Clear sidewalk snow for people who can’t do it themselves.

Should you choose to heed the call, here Is what comes next:   

  • Snowbusters are matched with someone who lives within two miles of their home. However, you can ask to help those who live farther away, if you wish.   
  • Snowbusters must remove the snow within 24 hours after measurable snowfall.   
  • Although Snowbusters are only expected to shovel sidewalks, they can choose to go above and beyond by also shoveling the driveway and paths leading to the front door.

This is a great way for individuals, families, and groups to help make someone’s life just a little bit easier. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. All adult volunteers are subject to a background check.

How to Become a Snowbuster:

Apply online here. You can also email volunteer@westminsterco.gov.

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