FROM DENVER PUBLIC WORKS

Snow Removal Information

Main streets, or most streets with stripes, are the priority for Public Works and our largest plows. These are the streets that carry most of the city’s traffic as well as emergency vehicles and public transportation. 

During major snow events when Denver receives 12 inches or more of snow accompanied by prolonged freezing temperatures, 4x4 plows may be deployed to simultaneously clear residential, or neighborhood, streets. 

In addition to plowing the streets, Public Works may use anti-icer and de-icer to improve the condition of the roads. When snow starts to fall, the application of liquid magnesium chloride as an anti-icer will prevent the snow from bonding to the pavement, however weather conditions dictate when anti-icing can occur: If rain precedes snow or if pavement temperatures are too high, the liquid material will not stick to the street. Optimally, humidity levels should be high and pavement temperatures should be at or just below freezing.

After snow has accumulated on the pavement, Public Works will apply a de-icing agent to the streets to prevent the snow from building up and turning into ice. De-icing may be accomplished with the use of “Ice Slicer,” a dry, naturally mined mix of chlorides or with liquid magnesium chloride.

MAKE THE “DENVER DIFFERENCE:

HOW TO MAKE THE DENVER DIFFERENCE AND BE A DENVER SNOW ANGEL!

• Get to know your neighbors - keep a list of phone numbers on hand for emergencies.
• Check on elderly and/or disabled neighbors during major snow storms to be sure they do not need help.
• Always clear your sidewalk of snow as soon as possible - it is difficult for pedestrians to walk down sidewalks full of snow and ice but it is nearly impossible for wheelchairs.
• Go the extra step to make sure the sidewalk on your block is clear of snow so it can be accessible to all.
• Check out the resources available in your neighborhood - churches and other community groups often have volunteers available to help those in need.
• Visit the Denver Office of Emergency Management to get more information on how neighborhoods can prepare for emergencies in Denver.

SIDEWALKS: DUST OFF YOUR SNOW SHOVEL!

Denver requires property owners to clear their walkways so that EVERYONE has safe access throughout the City! Senior citizens, people with disabilities, parents with strollers, and mail carriers -just to name a few -struggle to negotiate hazardous walkways...we need to do our part to make our community safe and accessible for all.

• Homeowners:  Once snow has stopped falling, residences have twenty-four (24) hours to remove snow from public sidewalks adjacent to their property. 
• Businesses:  Once snow has stopped falling, businesses have four (4) to remove snow from public sidewalks adjacent to their property. 
• Report A Problem:  Please contact Denver 3-1-1 to provide the address of unshoveled sidewalks. 
• Enforcement:  Denver performs proactive inspections in business districts, and we rely on citizen complaints to help us identify those property owners that need to be educated about sidewalk safety requirements. 

The vast majority of people comply with the first sidewalk safety notice issued by the City.  In the rare instances where a property owner refuses to comply, Denver takes escalating legal action, which can include issuing an Administrative Citation that carries a $150 penalty.  Denver manages 3,000 sidewalk safety cases a year.

SNOW REMOVAL ON CITY-OWNED PROPERTY

Denver Parks + Recreation performs snow removal on park property and select sidewalks, such as bridges and underpasses within the City. During normal snowfall, the snow will be removed as usual, including around recreation centers. Recreation Centers will also be plowed and shoveled for Saturday and Sunday hours as needed.

TRASH & RECYCLING DURING SNOW SEASON

To keep your trash and recycling service running smoothly during snow season, follow our easy “Do’s” and “Don’ts” below:

• DO shovel a path to your recycling cart and trash barrel
• DO keep these containers off patches of ice for safety
• DO make sure recycling carts and trash barrels are clear of snow
• DO put your cart and trash barrel as far in the street as possible - not behind snow banks
• DO leave a 4’ space on either side of your barrel and recycling cart allowing easy access by our trucks automated arms.
• DON’T - use cardboard boxes as a trash container. This is always a “Don’t” no matter what the weather conditions.
• Don't pile snow beside dumpsters.