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1. Do I have to clear my sidewalk of snow?

Yes. Per Town ordinance, it shall be unlawful for any owner or occupant of any lot, block or parcel of ground within the Town, or for any agent in charge of such property, to allow any snow or ice to accumulate or remain upon any sidewalk alongside such property longer than twenty-four (24) hours from the time of the last accretion of such snow and ice.

2. Why was a plow on the street next to mine but did not plow my street?

The street next to your street is most likely a Tier 1 or Tier 2 route. Residential streets (Tier 3) are only plowed after snowstorms that produce over eight inches of snow within one 24-hour period. Check out our Snow & Ice Control Map for more information.

3. Why did the plow leave snow in front of our driveway and on our sidewalk?

Plows are designed to push snow to the side. As a result, some snow is inevitably deposited at the end of driveways and onto sidewalks. Drivers plow at low speeds (10 to 15 MPH) to minimize this issue, but the problem becomes more challenging with greater snow accumulations. The Town will not plow "curb to curb". Instead, plows will make one path down the center of the road to help avoid snow being pushed into driveway and sidewalk areas.

Per Town ordinance, you will have 24 hours after the storm ends to shovel your walks. 

4. The plow dumped snow at the end of my driveway, can they come back to move it?

Unfortunately, no. With 102 center line lane miles of road in Frederick, public works crews must stay focused on opening streets for emergency vehicles. It would be extremely costly to the taxpayer for our crews to remove snow from driveways. Keep in mind that crews do not place snow intentionally in your driveways, it is just a result of the way the plow is built. The Town recommends plowing your driveways and sidewalks after Town crews are done, and the new ordinance allows for this by giving you 48 hours after a storm to shovel.

5. Is the Town responsible for plowing alleys?

No, the Town does not plow alleys. Residents are asked to work with neighbors and contract with a private plow operator to keep alleys free of snow. Private operators need to keep in mind that snow cannot be piled on public right of ways. The Town also does not reopen access to alleys that may have snow deposited from Town plowing efforts.

6. Why do I sometimes see a plow truck with its plow up?

Plow trucks distribute ice slicer granules early during a snow event rather than plowing snow.

7. When do Town crews remove snow from the downtown parking area?

Town staff determines when the downtown snow is hauled away based on the volume of snow on the ground, as that affects the main goal of keeping the emergency routes clear. This will be done early in the morning while traffic is low for safety purposes, as well as to keep interference with local business operations minimal.

Private business parking areas are not maintained by the Town.