Shoveling Out After The Storm: Denver Snow Clearing Guidelines

DENVER, CO — Some parts of Denver got more than 2 feet of snow over the weekend in a historic snowstorm that's left a lot of work for city crews, emergency teams and of course, residents who now have to dig their way out of their properties.

City and County of Denver agencies have issued residents information about the disposal of downed trees, stuck or abandoned vehicles and sidewalk snow removal:

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Travel

Don't drive if you don't have to, so plows can have plenty of space to operate. If you have to drive:

• Drive slowly and give yourself plenty of stopping distance and extra reaction time.
• Use extreme caution when approaching all intersections. Some traffic signals and signs have been obscured by blowing snow.
• Treat dark or flashing red traffic signals as four-way stops.
• Ensure your windows and mirrors are clear of snow and that you have windshield wiper fluid before you start your trip.

Snow on Trees: Remove with Caution

• Wet heavy snow can weigh down tree branches and cause them to break. Check to make sure the tree is safe and clear of all utility lines prior to removing snow; do not attempt to shake snow off a tree if a utility line is going through its branches or is within contact distance.
• If the tree is clear of utility lines, use a broom to remove as much snow as possible from branches by brushing off or gently shaking. Avoid large, rapid movement as this could cause the limb to break.
• Do not attempt to climb the tree or use a ladder to reach higher limbs.

Downed Branches

• If emergency removal of a fallen tree or tree branch is needed to clear a street, call 311 to report the address of the location. "The city will evaluate and prioritize the removal of the obstruction, and when necessary, the city will remove the encumbrance, and the cost of the work will be billed to the responsible property owner," the city said.
• Property owners are responsible for pruning and cleaning up debris from trees located on private property and within the public right of way adjacent to their property. Do not relocate branches to parkways or other public areas.
• Residents can visit the city's website for a list of licensed and insured tree care contractors.

Disposal of Tree Branches

• Denver's Department of Transportation and Infrastructure collects a limited amount of branches as part of its regular extra trash collection service to residents.
• Branches must be no larger than 4 inches in diameter, and they must be cut into lengths of 4 feet or less, bundled and tied, and weigh no more than 50 pounds.
• Customers can set out up to 10 bundles of branches on their scheduled every-8-week extra trash collection.
• Denver residents can also drop off branches at the Cherry Creek Recycling Drop-off center near East Cherry Creek Drive South and South Quebec Street. Hours of operation can be found on the city's website.

Downed Power Lines/Cables

• Stay clear of downed lines and report them immediately to Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-1999. If a power line is in contact with any object, stay away and call 911 immediately.
• Anyone who witnesses an emergency that requires an immediate response should always call 911.

Stuck/Abandoned Vehicles

• When vehicles are stuck and/or abandoned in lanes of traffic, especially on main roads and highways, the Denver Police Department will work to have the vehicles short-towed from the roadway to a nearby location or parking lot. Drivers who have been short-towed can call 720-913-2000 to learn the location of their vehicle.
• Drivers are also encouraged to proactively contact private tow companies to have their stuck vehicles removed from roadways.

Sidewalk Snow

To help keep our city's walks safe and accessible, Denver residents and businesses are responsible for clearing snow and ice from public sidewalks adjacent to their properties. Note: The Regional Transportation District only shovels bus stops that have a shelter. If there is a bus stop with a sign and no shelter, the resident or business is responsible for this sidewalk. "Please do not shovel snow into a street or bike lane," the city said.

Commercial properties (including multi-family residential)

Sidewalks adjacent to commercial properties (businesses and multi-family residential buildings) must be cleared within four hours, after snow has stopped falling. This includes adjacent ADA ramps and applicable bus stops.

Residential properties (single-family homes and duplexes)

Sidewalks adjacent to residential properties must be cleared within 24 hours, after the snow has stopped falling. This includes adjacent ADA ramps and applicable bus stops.

Inspectors begin enforcement after snow has stopped falling. Anyone who wants to report an unshoveled sidewalk can do so by dialing 311 or reporting online.

Help a Neighbor

Residents are encouraged to help one another, especially neighbors who may not be able to shovel snow because of health issues. Seniors and others who need regular assistance can get help through the Snow Angel program. If you need help with shoveling, or would like to volunteer to help neighbors, visit the city's SnowAngels website.