Snow Removal

Snow Plowing

Our team prioritizes clearing major streets before moving on to locals, dead ends, alleys, and cul-de-sacs. Our goal is to have major streets clear within 24 hours and all streets clear within 48 hours of the end of snowfall. During severe winter storms, we may not be able to meet these goals and we ask for your patience in those cases. 

On-Street Parking

Vehicles parked on the street make it harder to clear the snow, so please help our team by following parking restrictions. As a reminder, City Ordinance restricts parking on City streets between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., unless otherwise posted.

Non-City Streets

Most streets in Kalamazoo County but outside of the city limits are plowed by the Kalamazoo County Road Commission. Highways and ramps are plowed by MDOT. Private streets are not plowed by the City of Kalamazoo.

Keeping Your Driveway Clear

While plowing is underway, driveways that have already been shoveled may become filled back in with snow. Shoveling the area along the roadway on the oncoming traffic side of your driveway will help avoid additional work after plows have gone through. If you can, help neighbors and relatives who may have difficulty removing snow in front of their properties.

Report Missed Snow Plowing

Clearing Sidewalks

Many of our neighbors depend on sidewalks to stay connected all year (yes, even in winter). Snow and ice can make it unsafe or even impossible for people to use sidewalks, especially for our older neighbors, children, or people with disabilities.

City ordinance requires that all property owners clear their sidewalks of snow and ice within 48 hours of accumulation on the sidewalk (City ordinance 33-18), and if necessary to use sand or salt to prevent sidewalks from being slippery and dangerous.   

You can also help by clearing areas near fire hydrants in case Public Safety needs to respond to a fire. We're working to improve sidewalk mobility in winter, and we know conditions can be improved. Do your part to keep our sidewalks usable for everyone!

City Sidewalks 

The City is currently responsible for about 19 miles of sidewalk. We have reviewed and updated our process and capacity to keep these clear and will be making it a priority moving foward.

2024 Sidewalk Clearing Pilot Project

The City will take on the responsibility for clearing about 14 additional miles of sidewalk on key corridors. High pedestrian traffic and transit routes will be prioritized for this pilot project.

Report Uncleared Sidewalks