Snow Ordinance Information

The snow removal parking ban is in effect from October through May or anytime snow and/or ice removal efforts are required. When the weather forecast predicts weather conditions that will require enforcement of the parking ban, a notice will be published on the City of Altoona’s and/or Altoona Police Department’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

Red Snow Plow

Homeowner Snow Removal Responsibilities:
All sidewalks adjacent to your property are your responsibility and are required to have snow removed within 24 hours following the cessation of the weather event from which it was deposited. All complaint calls will be referred to the Building Department for follow-up and code enforcement. Snow placed on sidewalks by City plows where the sidewalk meets the street is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner to remove. City snowplows will not clear private driveways except under emergency conditions and with the approval of their supervisor. The snow placed in your driveway by the City plows is your responsibility to remove. Please do not move snow from your driveway into the street.

Streets may be temporarily closed if they become impassible due to automobile accidents or stranded automobiles. City roads will be cleared only if City equipment can safely push the snow without hitting vehicles parked in the street. Cul-de-sacs will not be cleared if garbage and recycling receptacles are placed in the City street. The roads will be cleared when the obstructions are
removed either by the owners or towed at the owner’s expense. Clean around fire hydrants in your yard so the Fire Department may have easy access to your hydrant in case there is a fire in your neighborhood. Please try and keep your driveway and approach to your house clear in case the police or fire personnel need to respond to your home. Postal workers and others delivering packages to your home will also appreciate a safe route to your front door. Clean around mailboxes and be sure the mailboxes are properly installed behind the curb line to withstand snow clearing efforts by the City. The City assumes no responsibility for mailboxes damaged during snow removal.

Thank you for your efforts to keep Altoona safe and accessible!

City Trails in the Winter:
The City of Altoona does clear the snow off of the trails during winter. We however, do not treat the trails with salt or sand. The trails are cleared last following the city facilities’ sidewalks and parking lots. Many communities close all trails during winter months but we want ours to be open for use. Please enjoy the trails but be cautious of the weather conditions.

Yellow Snow Plow