When snowfall occurs this winter, Geneva residents should be prepared to move their parked cars off the street to ensure the City’s plowing operations run efficiently throughout the community.
Parking is prohibited when snowfall reaches:
2 inches
Posted “Snow Routes,” which are highways and main collector streets with higher speed limits.
3 inches
Residential roadways, including alleys, cul-de-sacs and dead ends.
Bad Weather Forecasts
The Geneva Public Works Department also can restrict parking based on the forecast from the National Weather Service or other weather agencies for snow, sleet or freezing rain. If weather conditions are predicted to be hazardous to motorists, a parking ban may be put into effect to promote public safety and welfare on the roadways. Access to snow routes and residential streets is important in providing emergency services to all residents and visitors as quickly as possible.
Cars left on the street during a parking ban risk being ticketed or towed.
During major snow events, residents can find parking restrictions and plowing updates on the City’s website. People can subscribe to receive those updates by clicking the “Notify Me” button and selecting “Community Alerts.” Information also will be posted on the City’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.
The Public Works Department’s primary objective during winter storms is to remove snow and ice to provide safe driving conditions for emergency vehicles, refuse collection services, school buses and motorists. The Police Department works cooperatively with Public Works to enforce parking bans declared during significant snow events. With cooperation from residents and visitors, Public Works crews will be able to maximize the effectiveness of their snow removal operations.
When road conditions become hazardous, “Snow Routes” are cleared of snow and ice first before crews will transition to residential neighborhoods. Parking is not permitted on residential streets at any time within 12 hours following a snowfall of 3 inches or more or until a street has been plowed to the curb. During a major snowstorm, residential streets will receive one pass in each direction to provide access for motorists and emergency vehicles. After the snowfall has ended, all streets will be plowed curb-to-curb.
In the event of a light snowfall of less than an inch – and plowing operations are not necessary – salt brine may be pre-applied to snow routes, schools, hills, curves and intersections with stop signs.
Geneva plows 244 total lane miles during a snow storm. For more information about Geneva’s snow plowing operations, visit the City’s website.