City of Newton Snow Ordinance
The City of Newton's Snow Ordinance states that there is no street parking at 2 inches of accumulation. You can find out if the City of Newton Snow Ordinance is in effect by calling 641-791-SNOW (7669).
Snow ordinance violation tickets, which are issued by the Newton Police Department, are $35.00.
Snow Removal Practice & Goals
City snow removal crews begin snow plowing operations when accumulation reaches 2 inches. Plowing operations may begin after about an inch of accumulation for snow events during normal working hours. The City's goal is to maintain city streets to acceptable winter driving conditions.
Snow Removal Parking Restrictions
On-street parking, except in the Downtown Snow Removal District, is prohibited when snow plowing operations are declared. Ticketing of vehicles parked on city streets, except in the Downtown Snow Removal District, will begin when snow plowing operations are declared.
Parking is prohibited in the Downtown Snow Removal District when hauling operations are declared and the downtown snow removal district line (641) 792-0411 has been activated. The declaration must be made by 7 p.m. the evening of hauling operation.
Clean-Up Operations After a Storm
The following tasks, listed in order of importance, are performed after a storm.
- Hauling snow from the Downtown Snow Removal District
- Hauling and pushing snow from the shoulders on rural sections of roads, from parking lots, cul-de-sacs, and dead ends
- Snow cleanup from bridges and intersections
- Pushing back drifted areas and making room for additional snow accumulation
- Replenishing material supplies and maintenance/repair to snow removal equipment
- Repairing damage to infrastructure signs, potholes, mailboxes and sod repair.
Private Property Snow Removal
If you own property in Newton, you are required by code to remove snow from the sidewalks abutting your property. If you fail to do so, you may be subject to a nuisance complaint and charges for the snow removal may be levied against your property.
When removing ice or snow from your property, it is against the City of Newton code to throw, push or place from private property, sidewalks or driveways onto streets or into gutters. Doing so could cause even more hazardous conditions. The only exception to this is for property owners in the downtown business district, who can deposit snow in the street or adjacent to the curb as long as it is done prior to Public Works snow hauling and removal operations.
For more information on the City of Newton Snow Ordinance, please contact Newton Public Works at 641-792-6622.