Snow pushers advised: don’t push it into the street

Pocatello can expect snow sometime this winter and before it gets here, the city is reminding people to keep their sidewalks clear.

City Street Operations and Police Departments are also advising people not to shovel or blow snow into the streets.

Officials site City Code 8.14.060, which states:
“The responsible party of any premises within the municipality abutting or adjoining any public sidewalk shall be required to remove all snow and ice from any such sidewalk.” The code also says “The responsible party, following notification from city staff, has a period of twenty four (24) hours from the time of notice within which to correct or otherwise remove all snow and ice.” Renters are advised to contact their landlord or consult their rental agreement to determine whether the landlord or tenant is responsible for snow and ice removal.

People are also warned against pushing grass clippings, dirt, dust, solid waste and other material, like snow, to be pushed into the public right of way. People should, instead, deposit snow onto their yard or lawn area.

“When the plow comes by, it can push the snow back towards the property, creating a berm that can be difficult to clear for residents, but it is an unavoidable side effect of plowing,” said Tom Kirkman, Street Operations Superintendent. “Residents also need to be aware the snow that is deposited in the roadway can be a hazard for drivers. If the snow freezes solid, it can be similar to hitting a wall and it can damage the vehicle as well as injure the driver.”

Violators of the city code may be issued a citation. People who collect a number of violations can be charged with a misdemeanor.

And Kirkman added, “If you see the plow coming, please wait until it is finished before you clear the berm in front of your driveway and mailbox, as the driver most likely will make more than one pass. This way you only have to move the snow one time.”