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1. How does the City decide which streets get plowed first?

The Department of Public Works (DPW) plows eight miles of state highway, 26 miles of major streets and 63 miles of local or residential streets and three miles of alleys. DPW coordinates salting and snow control in conjunction with the East Lansing Police Department. Crews start by plowing state highways and major streets, then move to residential street stops, hills and corners. These first priority routes are maintained until conditions are under control, at which time, crews move to residential streets, alleys and cul-de-sacs. Typically, plowing only takes place in residential neighborhoods when snowfall accumulates to three inches or more. Please understand that every street cannot be cleared at the same time.

2. How do City crews respond to ice on roadways?

Salt is applied to ice as needed on state highways, major streets and in critical areas, such as stops, hills and corners. Depending on the severity of conditions, crews may also spot treat ice on local residential streets. 

3. Why do the City snow plows push snow into my driveway and who is responsible for clearing the snow?

During the course of normal snow plowing operations, snow being placed in your driveway is unavoidable. Plows are angled to the right for plowing from the center line of the street to the curb. For this reason, a certain amount of snow will be deposited in driveways. Snow placed on driveways or sidewalks by the City snow plows is the responsibility of property owners to remove.

4. I just shoveled my sidewalk. Why did the City snow plow push snow on it?

Some areas of the City have narrow public right-of-ways, which results in the sidewalk being very close to the street. When plowing, the snow may end up on the sidewalk that was just shoveled. We apologize for the inconvenience this causes you.

It should also be noted that, if it is a significant snowfall, the snowplows may have to return. Streets are typically opened with one pass through, so that streets can be made passable for drivers as soon as possible. Snowplows may return to open the street curb-to-curb. This is done to clear areas for on-street parking, where it is permitted, and to allow melting snow to drain into catch basins. We regret that you may find some of this snow on your recently shoveled sidewalk and may have to shovel it again.

5. Why is the snow plow operator driving so fast considering the road conditions?

It might appear at times that the snow plow operator is driving too fast for road conditions. While operators drive safe and at legal speeds, at times the snow plow operator needs to “roll” the snow to remove it from the road. A sufficient speed needs to be maintained by the driver to do this and clear the street.

6. Can snow from my driveway be pushed across the street?

Snow may NOT be pushed into or across the street from private property, according to city ordinance. Please keep this in mind when clearing your driveway. If you hire a private service to clear your driveway, it is your responsibility to inform them of this requirement. You may be ticketed if this occurs.

7. When does my sidewalk need to be cleared and whose responsibility is it?

Ordinance 1326 provides a time frame for property owners to clear the snow/ice on the sidewalks adjacent to their property after a major snow event. Snow that accumulates before noon on a sidewalk must be cleared by midnight the same day and snow that accumulates after noon on a sidewalk must be cleared by midnight of the following day. For snow showers that occur on more than one consecutive day, snow must be cleared by the above stated times or within 48 hours after the first snowfall began, whichever is sooner. Ice should be cleared or an abrasive (salt, sand, etc.) should be applied within 12 hours of formation. Learn more.

8. Who do I contact if a city snow plow hits my mailbox?

The City is not responsible for mailboxes or posts which are damaged by snow thrown from plows. If your mailbox is struck by a City plow, please contact the Department of Public Works at (517) 337-9459. DPW will review the damage and determine the responsibility of replacement. The City uses a standard design wood post and a standard design metal mail box for replacement. If the property owner wants a different mailbox or post other than the standard design provided, the owner may receive up to $25 compensation for post replacement and up to $25 for mailbox replacement.


Unfortunately, the City will not repair or replace decorative mailboxes and decorative posts. Non-standard mailboxes and enclosures placed in the public right-of-way are at the owner’s risk and responsibility.

9. What if landscaping or irrigation in the right-of-way is damaged?

Please do not landscape with rocks, bricks, timbers, shrubs or other items in the right-of-way. Snow plows and sidewalk plows could cause damage and DPW does not repair or replace landscape materials. Some residents have irrigation in the right of way. This is done at the owner’s risk and responsibility. Keep any irrigation heads away from the edges of the sidewalk. Sidewalk snow plow blades are a little wider than the sidewalk in some areas.

10. Who do I contact if a City snow plow damages my lawn?

If a City snow plow or sidewalk plow causes lawn damage, please contact DPW at (517) 337-9459. Sod and grass damage is restored by city crews with top soil and grass seed in the spring once all the snow has melted.

11. What about people who are physically not able to clear sidewalks adjacent to their property?

Cases in which there are hardships may be considered by the City Attorney’s office should a ticket be issued. There are many snow removal contractors that can be hired to perform this service. Ideally, neighbors will provide assistance to those who are unable to keep their adjacent sidewalks free of snow and ice.

12. Why does the code not include a warning for snow removal?

Neither a warning nor the appeal process is expressly addressed in the code. Three options are listed on the citation: admit and pay; admit with a written explanation; or deny responsibility. For further information, please contact the 54B District Court at (517) 351-4568. Learn more. Learn more.

13. Are there instances where the city code does not apply, for example, if I live on a school route?

The City of East Lansing clears sidewalks in some higher-volume pedestrian traffic areas, including downtown East Lansing, along many major streets and areas near schools. Even if the City plows these areas, property owners are still responsible for making sure the sidewalk adjacent to their property is maintained and clear enough for everyone to use, including those in wheelchairs. If you have any questions, please call Parking & Code Enforcement at (517) 319-6894.

14. Can I still be ticketed for failure to remove snow and ice even if I am on vacation or on winter break from school?

Vacations or other planned absences do not absolve residents of snow / ice removal responsibility, so arrangements should be made. Should an unexpected or unplanned absence occur, the City Attorney will consider the circumstances and make adjustments accordingly. If you have any questions, please call Parking & Code Enforcement at (517) 319-6894.

15. If I'm ticketed, what are the fines?

Currently, the 54B District Court assesses $90 in fines and costs. Please note, fines and costs are determined, in part, by legislative requirements. Contact the 54B District Court at (517) 351-4568 for updated information. Learn more.