Snowplowing Info

Snow/Ice Street Maintenance Policy

A City response to snowfall and ice accumulation on City streets is necessary for safe, routine travel and efficient emergency operations. Please pay close attention to snow fall amounts and contact the City to find out if a snow emergency has been declared. 

SNOW EMERGENCY POLICY

The purpose of this policy is to provide information to residents about snow emergencies in the City, including procedures for declaring an emergency, notification to residents, and parking prohibitions.

A. DECLARING A SNOW EMERGENCY
The City of Osseo will declare a snow emergency when designated City staff measures two or more inches of accumulated snow at the Osseo Public Works Parking Lot. The City’s Snow Emergency Ordinance can be found in Section 71.06 of the Osseo City Code.

B. NOTIFICATION TO RESIDENTS OF A SNOW EMERGENCY
After a snow emergency has been declared, notice will be posted on the following:
● The City’s website at www.discoverosseo.com
● Email notification list (if you wish to subscribe, contact City Hall)
● City’s Twitter and Facebook feeds
● WCCO Television
● Osseo Gateway Sign
● Telephone recordings: City Hall (763-425-2624); Police Department (763-424-5444); Public Works (763-425-5741)
● Notifications of any future changes to the Osseo Snow Emergency Policy will be included in the next available quarterly utility bill mailing

C. PROHIBITED PARKING DURING A SNOW EMERGENCY
During a snow emergency, the City will be divided into two Districts: District A (residential areas) and District B (downtown district). See the map below for the District locations.


During a snow emergency, residents are allowed to park on the street in all residential areas (District A). However, residents are encouraged to remove their vehicles from the street so that City snowplow crews can plow snow to the curb when possible. After a snow emergency is declared, parking is prohibited in the downtown district (District B) for one night between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. This will provide the opportunity for City snowplow crews to haul away snow from the downtown area safely without risk of damaging parked vehicles. The City will make every attempt to declare a snow emergency no later than 8:00 p.m.

D. TEMPORARY PARKING DURING A SNOW EMERGENCY
The City will attempt to coordinate with local businesses and churches to identify temporary parking locations during a snow emergency. The City may also identify public parking lots that may be available for parking during a snow emergency. The City will make every attempt to post information, including signage where possible, regarding temporary parking locations during a snow emergency.

E. VIOLATIONS OF PROHIBITED PARKING RULES DURING A SNOW EMERGENCY
Residents who park in prohibited areas during a snow emergency may be subject to having their vehicles towed or may have to pay a citation or both. If the City must tow a vehicle, all costs, including removal and storage costs, must be paid by the owner before the vehicle is returned to the owner.

F. CITY REMOVAL OF SNOW
During a snow emergency, City crews remove snow from the streets toward the sides. Therefore, it is very difficult to keep all driveways and alleys free of snow during the initial plowing of city streets. The City will make every effort to minimize the blocking of driveways and alleys during plowing, but cannot guarantee that this will always be possible.

**Residents who have questions about the snow emergency policy or parking prohibitions may contact City Hall by phone at 763-425-2624 or by email at cityhall@ci.osseo.mn.us.

Approved by the Osseo City Council on the 11th day of September, 2017.

If you have questions, call Osseo Public Services at 763.425.5741.