Snow Clearing and Winter Parking

Winter: known for its icy temperatures, shortened daylight, and mounds of snow. As the leaves are collected and the Halloween decorations get put away, the promise of winter is right around the corner. In preparation for the season of snow, residents should review the following information.

Street Clearing

The Public Works Department is responsible for clearing the snow and ice from Village streets, several pedestrian and bicycle paths, as well as several Village-owned parking lots. More information on how the clearing process is prioritized can be found on the Public Works Department's Snow Removal Page.

Winter Parking Regulations

The following regulations help facilitate the efficient removal of snow and ice accumulations and ensure visitors, residents, and emergency responders are able to traverse Village Streets.

Alternate Side Parking

Beginning on December 1 and running through March 31 each year and between the hours of 1 a.m. and 7 a.m., any vehicle parked on the street, excluding streets where parking is limited to one side, must adhere to the following regulations. Any vehicle or object violating these regulations may be removed by Village police at the owner's cost and the owner penalized.

On even-numbered calendar days, park on the side of the road with even-numbered addresses.
On odd-numbered calendar days, park on the side of the road with odd-numbered addresses.
No parking on cul-de-sac bulb streets.

Snow Emergency Parking

When snow or ice accumulates enough to cause a hindrance to traffic, a snow emergency may be declared by the Chief of Police and/or the Village Board in conjunction with the Public Works Director. During a snow emergency, parking is prohibited on any street, and further traffic regulations may be put in place. Any vehicle or object that remains on the street may be removed by, or under the direction of, the Police or Public Works Departments.

The public may be informed of a snow emergency through the Village's many avenues of public information such as the website, social media, cable channels, etc. The public may also sign up for email or text message notifications.

Clearing Snow

Snow and ice may not be moved from one's property onto any street, sidewalk, or public land and should be cleared away from the following areas:

Sidewalks

The sidewalk must be cleared of snow and ice within 24 hours from when snow stops accumulating. In the event that ice has formed and cannot be cleared, sand and/or salt should be applied.

Mailboxes

Accumulations of snow around curbside mailboxes, and between sidewalks and house-mounted mailboxes may prevent the delivery of mail.

Hydrants

Hydrants should be cleared of snow and ice for at least 3 feet in all directions and have a clear path to the road or, for private hydrants, the nearest paved surface.

Snow removal around fire hydrants is critical to the Fire & Rescue Department's success during emergency situations. Below is a video featuring the Fire & Rescue Department that demonstrates the difference between response times for cleared and uncleared hydrants. Residents who are unable to clear their hydrants may contact the Volunteer Coordinator in order to potentially be paired up with a volunteer that is able to assist with fire hydrant clearing.

Pet Waste

Pet waste should be regularly picked up during the winter months. As temperatures begin to rise, snow and ice will melt before the ground thaws. Melt water that is unable to soak into the ground may carry bacteria into our lakes and streams through storm drains, hurting the natural environment.