Citizen Snow & Ice Removal Responsibilities
Snow Removal Policy
Snow and ice can be dangerous for all ages, but especially for children, the elderly and persons with disabilities who are more susceptible to injury. For example, when sidewalks are not cleared of snow and ice, children will often weave in and out of streets and sidewalks on their way to or from school or to and from the bus, which is a safety concern.
For these reasons, property owners in unincorporated Douglas County are responsible for removing snow and ice from sidewalks surrounding their property within 24 hours after it stops snowing. They are also responsible for ensuring that snow from their sidewalk and driveway is not placed into the street or public right-of-way.
Douglas County understands that there may be times when 24 hours is not reasonable, such as when as extreme amount of snow has fallen. If a situation like this occurs, Douglas County may extend the 24-hour period of time for snow removal and post the extension on the County Web site, www.douglas.co.us.
Incorporated areas of Douglas County (cities and towns) have separate snow removal policies. Refer to individual cities and towns for specifics.
Consequences for not Adhering to this Policy
Property owners who do not adhere to the Douglas County snow removal policy may receive a written notice requiring that they remove the snow within the next 24 hours. If snow is removed from sidewalks prior to the expiration of the posted 24-hour notice, no further action will take place. If snow is not removed within the posted 24-hour notice, the County may remove the snow and all related costs will be billed to the property owner where the conditions existed. Snow removal costs may be collected in any manner allowed by law, including but not limited to placing a lien on the property and collecting the amount in the same manner as real property taxes.
Anyone who violates the snow removal policy is committing a class 2 petty offense and if convicted is punishable by a fine not to exceed $50 per violation. This ordinance is enforced by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
Snow Placement and Vehicle Parking
Please do not place snow in the street. Piles of snow in the gutter will inhibit drainage resulting in ice buildup in gutters and on sidewalks. Citizens are advised to place all snow from sidewalks and driveways on adjacent landscaped areas. Automobiles and other vehicles left parked on County roads during a winter storm make it difficult for snow plows to remove snow and risk damage.
For more information
For more information on Douglas County snow removal policies, please visit www.douglas.co.us/publicworks/Snow_and_Ice_Removal.html.
To report potholes in the roadway, please contact the Public Works Department at 303-660-7480.
