Home and Business Owners

Homeowners and business owners have snow removal responsibilities that help keep our City safe. By practicing a few common courtesies, traveling around Omaha can be better for everyone.

• Clear sidewalks promptly; especially if your walk is next to a busy road. If pedestrians are forced to walk in the street, accidents can occur. Unfortunately, City Street crews will repeatedly plow and re-cover sidewalks. We apologize for the problem this creates but it is inevitable. Sidewalks should be cleared away from the street rather than pushing the snow back towards the street.
• Clear snow around fire hydrants. Do not bury hydrants with snow from walks or drives.
• Do not plow, shovel or blow snow back into the street. This often creates a dangerous refreeze condition. Salt on the street melts the snow which then refreezes as temperatures drop.
• Keep your mailbox clear. City crews have to remain a couple feet away from mailboxes while plowing to avoid damaging them. Often this leaves a windrow in front of the mailbox that prevents the mailman from reaching it. The U S Post Office requires that the street in front of mailboxes be cleared or they may not deliver mail.
• Be a good neighbor. The good deed will be returned. Whether it is running the snow blower a few extra feet down your neighbor’s walk or making sure you don’t blow snow on your neighbor’s already-cleared driveway, these considerations will be remembered.
• If your home has stairs or steep walks, consider using ice melt. It will prevent snow from thawing and refreezing creating a very treacherous condition.