Home>Snowfall Reminders

When the Weather Outside is Frightful...
Residents of North Liberty are encouraged to help out their neighbors and the City by remembering their obligations after a snowfall or ice accumulation:

Sidewalks must be cleared of snow and ice within 48 hours of a snowfall. When you are clearing your walk, imagine what it would be like jogging, walking a dog, pushing a stroller or using a wheelchair on that surface. Would you feel safe? Be sure to apply ice-melting agents or sand to stubborn, slippery spots.

If you are shoveling or snow-blowing the entrance to your driveway, the Streets Department has this helpful tip: Wait until the streets are plowed before removing the snow at the very end or your driveway. Snow that is being pushed down the street by the snowplow has a tendency to roll off into open spots such as intersections and cleared driveway approaches, so you may actually have less snow to clear in the long run if you wait for the plows to pass.

Parked cars should be moved if there is enough snow that the snowplows are out. If there is a snow emergency, residents are legally required to move parked cars off the street so larger vehicles, such as plows and emergency vehicles can safely navigate the streets.

The Fire Department asks your help in clearing snow from around fire hydrants. If you have a fire hydrant near your home, please take the time to help make it easily visible from the street.

Despite North Liberty's size, the United States Postal Service classifies its North Liberty routes as rural. This means that you must accommodate mail carriers in a vehicle. In doing so, please be aware that your mailbox must be accessible to postal vehicles at all times, and should be constructed to withstand necessary snowplowing on your street. Homeowners are responsible for potential damage to mailboxes from drifting and plowed snow. Please be sure your mailbox is sturdy enough to withstand the winter! It is the responsibility of individual property owners to clear snow from the immediate area around their mailboxes. Please be considerate of our postal workers by clearing a path in front of your box so delivery vehicles can safely access it. Postal Service safety guidelines prohibit carriers from leaving their vehicles to attempt delivery if there is a buildup of snow or ice. The Post Office recommends clearing at least one car length on either side of your mailbox, in the street to the curbline. Please also be sure that your mailbox is not frozen shut! The postal workers thank you for your cooperation.

Drivers should use extreme caution after a snowfall. Give yourself plenty of room to stop or to make a turn. Also- don't forget to clear snow and ice from the headlights and all the windows of your vehicle to increase visibility.

If a single snowfall results in accumulations of three inches or more, it is considered a snow emergency. Click here for snow emergency regulations.

If you have questions about snow removal in North Liberty, contact City Hall at 626-5700.

Thank you for your help!