Snow Removal

There are several entities that take on snow removal responsibilities on a regular basis from the City & County of Denver down to individual property owners. The system works when everyone does their part. Snow should be addressed within 24 hours of the completion of the snow event under normal circumstances. Major blizzards can extend the time it takes to address snow community-wide for all involved.

MAJOR ROADWAYS AND ARTERIALS

Major roadways are maintained by the Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. Snow removal on these designated roadways begins prior to every snow event and continues throughout its completion. Roads are placed in different priority levels and are addressed as equipment becomes available. 

NEIGHBORHOOD STREETS

Neighborhood streets are maintained by the Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure or the Aurora Department of Public Works. These streets are not plowed unless a “major snow event” is declared.

NEIGHBORHOOD SIDEWALKS

Neighborhood sidewalks are the responsibility of the adjacent property owner or sub-association. When the sidewalk is located adjacent to a community park or parkway the park's manager will remove the snow. The MCA will remove snow on sidewalks located in MCA-managed parks, and the Denver Department of Parks and Recreation removes snow on sidewalks located in city parks.

Does your property abut a neighborhood park?

Whereas homes that are adjacent to public streets have the responsibility to clear snow on their sidewalks we are encouraging residents that live on community parks to do the same. As a courtesy to your neighbors that may rely on using the entire sidewalk your assistance in clearing the sidewalk directly adjacent to your property will greatly help in keeping an access path open until our crews cycle through to clear the entire park.

NEIGHBORHOOD ALLEY SURFACES

Neighborhood alley surfaces are to be routinely maintained by the adjacent property owner or sub-association. Residents and sub-associations are not permitted to shovel or plow snow in such a manner that it impacts the access of the alley by any motor vehicle. Snow should always be shoveled, plowed, and stored on the landscaping areas located within each alley easement. Residents or sub-associations found to have caused access issues due to improper snow storage can be issued a violation notice and corresponding fine for the cost to remedy the situation if the MCA is required to do so. Please respect that all residents need to access their property via the rear alleys by never shoveling snow onto any alley surface. The MCA will plow alley "center lane" only during a “major snow event" and "blizzards".

DURING SIGNIFICANT & MAJOR SNOW EVENTS

During ‘major snow events', as now defined by the City & County of Denver, the MCA will initiate its emergency snow removal plan for community alleys based upon actual accumulation along with the city’s snow removal plan for neighborhood streets. During significant snow events, typically in excess of 6-8” in a 12 hour period, the MCA makes a single pass through each alley to clean up the center drive lane following the storm. Although it is not the intent to impact anyone’s access in and out of their garages, residents should be prepared to remove any “wind-rows” that can be created during these plowing operations. During major snow events (12+”) - the snow removal plan will include the continuous use of heavy and light equipment. Alley work will be limited to the removal of enough snow so residents can drive through. These alley procedures do not negate individual property owners from participating in the snow removal during these types of storms. Vehicles should never be parked overnight in any alley during snow events. Vehicles left parked in any alley during snow events may be towed to allow for continued snow removal.

Although we are unable to address the complete removal of snow on public streets, it is our goal during a major snow event to remove enough snow to allow for some level of travel in and out of the alleys. We will continue to address all MCA parks and pathways to ensure that they are as snow-free as possible to promote pedestrian access throughout the community. All concerns regarding travel on public streets should be directed towards Denver 311.

Major Blizzards

During "Major Blizzard Events" (generally classified historical storm events) The MCA will provide a realistic timeline based on the size, scope, intensity, and duration of the storm and the anticipated disruption to city streets and community services.