Des Moines residents get reminders about city snow ordinances

As if impending snowfall isn’t enough to make you grumble, you could be even grouchier if you get a ticket for parking in the wrong place or not shoveling your sidewalk.

City leaders are reminding Des Moines residents about various snow ordinances as winter weather begins to blow into the forecast.

Failure to comply with the ordinances comes with a cost, too.

The biggest change for a lot of residents is adapting to an ordinance that prohibits on-street parking during snow storms in 21 Des Moines neighborhoods. Violators can be ticketed or towed.

“No parking until plowed” signs are posted in designated areas. The ordinance takes effect any time there is a measurable snowfall. Violators are cited $35 for each infraction, although tickets can be appealed.

Police are expected to cut people a break if they park on residential snow ordinance streets during the first storm. Warning tickets are generally given the first time around, but that courtesy is generally not extended to people who park on arterial snow routes when plowing is required.

Front-yard parking is not allowed by city ordinance unless it is on a paved surface that does not take up more than 25 percent of the front yard.

Another local ordinance also requires sidewalks to be shoveled within 48 hours of a snowstorm. Fines for noncompliance are $50 for the first offense, $75 for a second violation and $100 for a third.

“During the first couple storms, it is all very important for people to remember that they have these responsibilities,” Public Works Director Bill Stowe said.

Under the residential snow ordinance program, streets in participating areas are plowed during every storm once city crews have cleared the major streets. That’s beneficial for neighborhoods, because the city doesn’t normally plow residential streets unless there is 4 inches of snow.

Neighborhoods involved in Des Moines’ residential snowplowing program:

WARD 1: Beaverdale, Lower Beaver, Martin-Hickman, Meredith, Merle Hay, Mondamin Presidential and Waveland Park, also partly located in Ward 3.

WARD 2: Accent, Brook Run, Douglas Acres, Fairground, Grays Woods, Highland Park, Oak Park, Sheridan Gardens and Union Park.

WARD 3: Waterbury and Westwood.

WARD 4: Pioneer Park, Somerset and Valley High Manor.

Sidewalk Shoveling 101

- Sidewalks should be shoveled full length and width, according to the Des Moines Public Works Department.

- A wheelchair needs a minimum clearance of 36 inches.

- Pedestrian ramps on street corners should be shoveled.

- If a sidewalk has been shoveled but is still snow- or ice-covered, sand should be spread for traction. Ice melt should be spread to break up what remains and then cleared.