Snow Plows
The City of Rochester’s Public Works Department operates a fleet of snow plows that works to clear over 500 miles of roads, 9 miles of alleys, 544 cul-de-sacs, 40 miles of sidewalks and bike paths within the city limits of Rochester. This is no easy task and is a balance of safety, economics, timing and expectations. Effective snow removal creates safer roads for the traveling public and provides access for emergency vehicles during the winter snow and ice season.
City plow has damaged the boulevard or mailbox
Mailbox damage is an unfortunate consequence of snowplowing. The public works department will inspect each mailbox damage claim. Click here for contact information.
- If there is physical evidence that the mailbox was struck by a plow (as confirmed by city staff), the property owner has two options:
- The city will replace the mailbox with a standard mailbox and (if necessary) a 4x4 decay resistant post in conformance with USPS guidelines.
- The owner can replace the mailbox and/or post and the city will reimburse up to the amount listed in the current fee schedule. The new mailbox and installation shall comply with USPS guidelines.
- Plow operators make every effort to avoid damage to boulevard areas while performing snow removal. The boulevard area on most streets is part of the City right-of-way which extends approximately 10 to 15 feet behind the curb. The intent of the right of way is to provide room for snow storage, utilities and sidewalks. Lawns that are scraped or gouged by City equipment will be repaired by top dressing and seeding. Other items in the right-of-way including landscape timbers, shrubs, flowers, other landscaping, sprinkler heads, etc. will not be repaired by the City. Boulevard damage must be reported by May 15, annually. Click here for contact information.
The snow plow damaged or spilled the garbage/recycling container
Per City ordinance, “containers shall be placed adjacent to but not in the traveled portion of the right of way”. Containers should be placed in the driveway or boulevard and promptly removed once collected (within 24 hours of collection). It is the responsibility of the resident to make sure containers are located so as to not interfere with snow removal. Damaged or tipped over containers as a result of improper placement are not the responsibility of the City to repair or cleanup.
For more information, visit: Snow & Ice Control