Snow & Ice

Snow & Ice Response Program

The Snow and Ice Response Program is designed to provide the best use of limited resources to maximize the movement of traffic within our community during winter weather. During storm events, we focus on clearing major arterial and collector streets first, then begin responding to residential connector streets, school zones, transit routes, and steep residential streets as resources become available. The plow routes are adjustable depending on accumulations of snow and ice, time of day, and flow of traffic.

Snow & Ice Control Policy

The City of Owatonna Snow & Ice Control Policy can be viewed here.

Snow Removal

Snow and ice can be dangerous for all ages, but especially for children, the elderly and persons with disabilities who are more susceptible to injury. For example, when sidewalks are not cleared of snow and ice, children will often weave in and out of streets and sidewalks on their way to or from school or to and from the bus, which is a safety concern. 

Questions

We thank you for doing your part to provide safe sidewalks for our citizens. Contact the City of Owatonna, Public Works Department with any questions at 507-444-4350.

Emergencies

Emergencies such as downed trees, power lines, etc. should be direct to 911 and 507-456-3093.

  1. Property Owner's Responsibility

Property owners in the City of Owatonna are responsible for removing snow and ice from sidewalks surrounding their property. Sidewalks must be cleared of snow the entire width of the concrete. The City of Owatonna would like to remind its residents that City Ordinance 94.005 requires that the owner, occupant or person in charge of property within the City of Owatonna to keep sidewalks adjoining their property free and clear of snow and ice. Any accumulated snow and ice must be removed from all city sidewalks within 24 hours from the time the snow ceases to accumulate on the sidewalk. 

Property owners who do not adhere to the City of Owatonna snow removal policy may receive a written notice requiring that they remove the snow within the next 24 hours. If snow is removed from sidewalks prior to the expiration of the posted 24-hour notice, no further action will take place.  If snow is not removed within the posted 24-hour notice, the City Engineer may have the snow removed. All related costs and an administrative citation will be billed to the property owner for removal of the snow.

An excerpt from the Owatonna City Code regarding Snow & Ice Removal from sidewalks can be found here

Snow Removal Violation Process

  1. Snow Placement
  1. Snow Removal FAQ's