City of New HopeMinnesota

Snow Removal

To aid in the snow removal process, the Public Works Department would like to inform New Hope residents of the regulations that are enforced to ensure efficient and effective snow removal practices.

A snowfall of two inches or more triggers a snow emergency – a full citywide plow call out and associated parking restrictions.

When a snow emergency is declared, all city streets are plowed curb-to-curb. Residents will be notified via the city's digital signage, website and social media.

The most significant change with the updated ordinance residents need to know is the police department’s stronger stance on ticketing and towing of vehicles remaining on the street during a snow emergency.

Parking is prohibited on city streets during a snow emergency, and may not resume on the road until it has been plowed curb-to-curb. In addition to parking restrictions related to snow plowing, New Hope prohibits parking on city streets year-round from 2-6 a.m.

Residents are reminded to keep their trash and recycling bins on their driveways and off the street at all times of the year. Also, it is against city code to deposit or cause to be deposited any snow and ice on or against a fire hydrant or on any sidewalk or roadway.

See below for additional information:

Street crews will operate snow removal operations when there is a snowfall of more than two inches or if conditions warrant plowing. The crews will begin plowing shortly after the storm subsides. The city is divided into nine routes for snow and ice control operations.

It is the responsibility of each property owner in New Hope to maintain the public sidewalk adjacent to their property.

Per city ordinance there is no parking on city streets from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. year round. This parking ban is strictly enforced during the winter months. No parking is allowed on city streets between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. When possible this is the time frame in which the city will plow the city streets. Vehicles will be ticked and towed if they obstruct the progress of snow plows.

Warn your children about the dangers of playing in the snow banks made by the plows. Plow operators cannot see children playing in the snow banks. Parents and children need to be aware of the danger of playing in snow banks. This includes buildings 'forts' in snow banks. Plow trucks will continue to move snow on the snow banks over the days and weeks following large snow events which presents a serious danger to children.

While driving, do not follow the plow trucks as they back up often and unexpectedly. Keep a safe distance while driving behind the plow trucks.

Occasionally snow plowing operations will result in damage to mailboxes. The city will repair the damage only if the mailbox and its supporting posts are properly located behind the curb line and if the damage is a result of actual contact by the snow plow. The city will not assume responsibility for damages that are caused by mailboxes that protrude into the street or that are damaged simply by the snow pressure on the post of the mailbox. It is the resident's responsibility to keep mailboxes and posts clear from large piles of snow.

A standard design mailbox will be used for replacements. The city will not replace decorative or specialty mailboxes. Property owners install decorative materials in the right-of-way at their own risk.

Plugged driveways are an unavoidable side effect of a well-plowed street. The city apologizes for the inconvenience of the heavy snow pile that is built from the plows, but there is no way to avoid this issue. To reduce the frustration of shoveling out the end of the driveway twice, it is suggested that, if possible, you wait until the street is plowed to its full width before completing your snow removal.

Residents are ultimately responsible for the removal of snow on sidewalks located on their property. The city removes snow on sidewalks as a courtesy to residents when staff time allows. Sidewalks are not plowed on overtime hours.

Residents are also responsible for clearing snow from any fire hydrants located on their property. If you are physically unable to clear your hydrant, please call the Public Works Department at 763-592-6777.

Contact
Public Works
Phone: 763-592-6777
p [email protected]