Ah, the most wonderful time of the year is here! Who doesn't love the opportunity to shovel, or fire up the snowblower a couple of times each week, right? I'd gladly take a pass, but hey, that's just me. I do know plenty of people who don't mind it, and actually look forward to it, as strange as that may seem.

Now that Old Man Winter has reared his bitter cold face again in the Sioux Empire, here is everything you need to know courtesy of the city of Sioux Falls when it comes to snow removal this winter. Follow these simple instructions and you and the city should be able to remain on each other's nice list this year.

First off, the city promises to do their best to help keep Sioux Falls streets safe this winter weather season. They in turn ask for all property owners to please do their part in removing snow from your sidewalks and driveways, and to please make sure your mailbox is easily accessible in a timely fashion as well.

Here’s what you need to know about snow removal in Sioux Falls:

  • A snow alert is declared if the City plans to plow all streets. At this time, parking restrictions go into effect across the city, and vehicles parked on all streets are subject to ticketing and towing by zone.
  • Get a text instead of a ticket. The City offers a text alert service to notify residents of snow alerts. To subscribe, send a text with the word SNOW to 605‑413‑1990, or go to www.siouxfalls.org/snow to subscribe to text, email, or social media notifications.
  • After 2 inches of snow has fallen (day or night, with or without a snow alert being declared), all vehicles parked on emergency snow routes are subject to ticketing and towing at the owner’s expense. Emergency snow routes are posted with signs.
  • During snow alerts, plows enter neighborhoods after the snow has stopped falling and emergency routes are clear. Snow alert communications will include the plowing schedule based on zone. Vehicles cannot be parked legally on the street until the street has been plowed.
  • Snow gates are used citywide during snow alerts. Snow gates should reduce the amount of snow deposited in driveways, but do not eliminate the potential for snow in driveways.
  • It is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure mailboxes are accessible to mail carriers and to keep fire hydrants clear of snow and other obstructions for 3 feet in all directions.
  • Sidewalks must be cleared of ice and snow within 48 hours after it snows. Don’t forget about sidewalk curb ramps on corner lots and other curb cutouts. Residents are responsible for providing access from the street onto the sidewalk.
  • Do not place snow from the driveway or sidewalk onto the street.

Should you ever have any questions regarding snow removal, the city asks that you please call the Public Works Street Division at 367-8255.  You can always visit siouxfalls.org/snow for more info.


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