Streets

The Department of Public works clears all public streets and alleys as needed. Village crews plow main thoroughfares, next proceed to streets adjacent to schools, then clear residential streets and alleys. They also clear sidewalks which abut village-owned land, such as parks and government buildings. In the process of clearing snow from the streets, plows will deposit some snow on driveway approaches (the portion of the driveway between the street and the sidewalk). It is the responsibility of each property owner to clear snow from their driveway approach.

Residents are responsible for clearing snow and ice from the public sidewalk adjacent to their property. Snow must be removed within 24 hours after snow has ceased to fall, and the sidewalk must be cleared enough to allow adequate passage for pedestrians passing each other in opposite directions. Village ordinance prohibits placing snow on another person's property or into the street. Also, please be courteous when operating a snow blower so as not to disturb your neighbors.

Snow & Ice Control Policy

Salting of secondary streets is limited to the intersections due to space availability for salt storage and environmental reasons. There is not enough storage capacity to hold enough salt to use on every street in the Village with every storm. Additionally, most of the Village's storm sewers feed directly into Lake Michigan. During snow melt and frequent winter rains, the residue from road salt enters the storm sewer and makes its way out to Lake Michigan. Road salt however, is a necessity and therefore the Village has tried to balance the storage needs and environmental issues by implementing a "low" salt policy.

Snow Removal onto Streets

It is against Village Ordinance to push, pile, blow, or shovel snow onto the public street and alley. If you have a contractor removing snow, please remind him/her of the rules. 

Refuse Collection - Snow Removal & Ice Control On Private Walks & Driveways

In order to prevent the collectors from injury and protect the property owner from liability, please have any access to your refuse receptacles free of any snow or ice. This includes walkways or your driveway from the street to the receptacles. In addition, please dig out, and pull out the receptacles to make sure they are not frozen in.

Snow Removal - Fire Hydrant

As winter approaches, help the Fire Department by adopting the fire hydrant closest to your home or business and keep it free of snow during the winter. In the event of a fire, the Fire Department must quickly locate and gain a water supply source from the closest fire hydrant. A fire engine carries enough water on board for approximately 3 ½ minutes of firefighting. If a fire hydrant is buried by snow, it is difficult to find and valuable time must be spent digging it out. Keep the snow clear from around the fire hydrant and shovel a path from the street or roadway up to the fire hydrant. These actions will allow the Fire Department to quickly locate a fire hydrant and obtain a water supply for firefighting activities. The North Shore Fire Department Public Education Office can be contacted at 414-228-0292 or by email, should you have any questions.