Local on-street parking prohibited during winter months

With the arrival of winter, shoveling snow from sidewalks and driveways becomes part of the routine for many local residents. This year, city officials would like to remind everyone that snow removal isn’t just a seasonal nuisance, but also required by city ordinance.

West Valley City rules prohibit parking along local streets when there is at least 1 inch of snow of ice on the roadway. In addition, residents are responsible to have their sidewalks cleared no later than 24 hours after snow stops falling.

West Valley City Public Works Director Russ Willardson said snow removal crews work hard to keep the roads clear during snowstorms throughout the winter months. He said residents could help speed up the process by remembering to keep their cars parked in driveways, assigned parking spaces and garages.

 “The biggest issue for our crews is cars parking on the street,” Willardson said. “We have towed [illegally parked cars] in the past.”

Cars parked along the roadway in cul-de-sac neighborhoods may block narrow streets and make it difficult for snowplows to safely access the area.

Any vehicle found parked on the street during snow cleanup, regardless of the location or time of day, may be towed or the owner issued a citation.

Residents who fail to clear the sidewalks adjacent to their property may also receive citations from city code enforcement officers.

Although it is not required by city ordinance, residents should also try to keep the area around their mailboxes and any nearby fire hydrants clear from snow to allow postal and fire department service.

Local businesses are also required to do their part to help keep city roadways cleared. On Nov. 22, the West Valley City Council approved a new ordinance that prohibits commercial maintenance snowplows from moving snow in parking lots out onto roadways.

During and after a snowstorm, local public works crews send plows out to clear major artery streets first.

Major roadways such as 3100 South and 4100 South, north to south connector streets 2700 West, 3200 West, 3600 West, and arteries such as 4800 West and 7200 West area plowed before residential streets.

This year, city officials have budgeted about $100,000 to purchase road salt to keep the local streets safe.

Local state highway roads, such as the Bangerter Highway, Redwood Road and 5600 West are maintained by state agencies and the Utah Department of Transportation.

Willardson said it could take longer to clear residential streets after storms if traffic packs the snow down before crews can get out to clean up.

“If we get a heavy snowstorm it can take two or three days before we can get into every area,” he said.

Seniors and disabled residents having trouble shoveling snow can contact the city to be connected with services to help them meet snow removal requirements.

“Our neighborhood services can help find [volunteers] to help,” Willardson said.

For more information about the city neighborhood services or to view the snow ordinances, visit the West Valley City website at www.wvc-ut.gov.