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Snow Removal Facts and FAQs
If you have a question that is not answered below,
call the Department of Public Works at 240-314-8566.
The City of Rockville clears snow from approximately 160 miles of roads, 30 miles of sidewalk and multi-use paths and 18 City-owned facilities and parks with parking lots.
The City’s Public Works Department clears all roads, but it is the City’s Department of Recreation and Parks that works to clear City-owned facility parking lots, as well as some publicly-owned walkways and other paths.
Crews clear roads in the following priority order:
During heavy snow events, crews may be required to work primary roads continuously until the conditions allow for plowing to shift to secondary roads. Additionally, an initial plowing may be made on all secondary roads to make the maximum number of roads passable before additional plowing can be done to improve the conditions.
City crews do not clear private roads; state and county roads; private parking lots; state, county and Metro facility parking lots, HOA-maintained roads and alleys (streets with signs that have white backgrounds and blue lettering); and all pathways located inside City parks unless they are used as routes to schools.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Why do plows deposit snow at the end of my driveway when they plow?
This is an unavoidable result of snow plowing, as is making multiple runs to ensure streets are passable. Simply put, plowing involves pushing snow from the roads, and it naturally falls from the end of the plow to the sides of the road, including driveways.
Why can’t City crews leave the snow on residential streets until the end of the storm, then clear it in one pass instead of making multiple passes that requires residents to clear the end of their driveway, and certain sidewalks, multiple times?
If the City waited until the end of the storm to clear roads, the amount of snow to be removed might be too much for plows to handle. In this case, contract bucket loaders and backhoes would be required.
Why can’t plow operators tilt their blades towards the center when plowing cul-de-sacs to deposit the snow in the center island and not in front of the driveways along the cul-de-sac?
During a storm great than 4 inches, there is not enough storage space in the center of many cul-de-sacs with center islands to place all of the snow. Additionally, even with the most skillful operator, the large volume of snow will cause the truck to drift to the opposite side forcing the snow off the driveway end of the blade, just as it is on a typical residential street.
In larger cul-de-sacs and during larger snow events, cul-de-sacs may receive an initial pass, then later, further plowing may be done as priorities allow. Snow may be pushed to the center of the cul-de-sac and stored.
Will I be ticketed for not clearing my sidewalk if I have shoveled it and a plow pushes snow onto it?
The City understands how difficult it can be to clear sidewalks, driveways and other paved areas the public needs access to, especially in during significant snowfalls.
If a City inspector finds that you are in violation of the snow ordinance, you will receive a reminder notice. That notice reminds residents and businesses of the ordinance and gives an additional 24 hours to clear snow from your property. A ticket may be issued following that 24-hour period.
When will all City-owned sidewalks and multi-use paths be cleared of snow?
Just like Public Works has a priority system for clearing roads, so does the Recreation and Parks crews for parking lots, paths and walkways.
Crews clear those areas using the following priority system:
How quickly do I need to shovel my sidewalk?
Residents and business owners must clear snow from sidewalks, steps, driveways and parking spaces that they own and that are for public use. Residents have 24 hours to clear snow if there are three inches or less, 48 hours if there are more than three inches and less than 10 inches, and 72 hours if there are more than 10 inches of snow.
How do you find out what facilities are closed?
The City updates the home page of its website regularly with weather-related information. Because there are so many programs and facilities, and because the City makes every effort to operate on a regular schedule, phone lines for specific programs have the latest information on closings or cancellations.
How do you report a problem at a City facility, such as icy patches?
Please call 240-314-8700 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. to report a problem at a City facility.
Who do you call to report a sidewalk that is not cleared?
Call 240-314-8330. If you call the number after hours, please leave a message that will be answered the following business day.