To help keep streets and sidewalks safe and accessible for all community members this winter, the City of Evanston is reminding residents of snow parking restrictions, convenient notification methods, shoveling guidelines and other helpful tips as part of Winter Weather Preparedness Week, November 15-21.

Residents can review important winter information by watching the City’s video, “WINtering Together” (watch in Spanish), or visiting cityofevanston.org/snow. The City will also share reminders and tips throughout the week on Facebook and Twitter.

“Winter weather creates challenges for residents, businesses and City staff, but when we all do our part and winter together, the season is easier for everyone,” said Public Services Bureau Chief Edgar Cano. “We greatly appreciate the community’s cooperation as we work to ensure public safety, accessibility and the continuity of City services throughout the upcoming winter season.”

Shoveling

New this year, property owners and occupants are responsible for clearing sidewalks within 24 hours after any accumulation of snow or ice; paths must be at least 36 inches wide. Residents are also responsible for clearing snow from around trash and recycling containers to allow crews to empty them. Pushing snow from private property onto City streets, alleys, sidewalks and public ways is prohibited.

Landlords are responsible for keeping sidewalks, parking lots and all common areas, including open stairwells, free from hazardous conditions at all times. To report a snow removal violation, residents may call/text 847-448-4311.

In addition to clearing sidewalks and refuse containers, residents are also encouraged to “adopt a fire hydrant” this winter. Keeping fire hydrants visible and accessible from the street can save precious time in an emergency.

Those who need assistance shoveling their property, or who would like to volunteer to help elderly and disabled neighbors shovel, are encouraged to register for the City’s Snow Shoveling Program online at cityofevanston.org/shoveling or by calling/texting 847-448-4311.

Parking

In the event of accumulated snowfall, the City may enforce temporary parking restrictions in the form of a Snow Route Parking Ban or Snow Emergency. During these events, parking on the street is illegal for the duration of the time indicated on the street signs posted at the beginning and end of each block. Community members are encouraged to review parking restrictions at cityofevanston.org/snow.

When snow is present on roadways, voluntarily abiding by posted parking rules helps City plows clear snow to the curb. Residents can also help facilitate snow removal by parking as close to the curb as possible, clear of alleyways and intersections, so City trucks and emergency vehicles have access to the streets.

To make parking easier, the City offers a variety of convenient ways to be notified when snow parking restrictions are in effect: 

Sign up for text or email Snow Alerts online at cityofevanston.org/snow, by calling/texting 847-448-4311, or texting COE SNOW to 468311

Text SNOW to 847-448-4311 for an automated message available 24/7

Call the Snow Hotline at 847-864-SNOW (7669) for a recorded message

Follow the City of Evanston on Twitter or Facebook

Check the City’s website

Tune in to City Channel 16

Tune in to Evanston Radio AM 1650

Listen for the City’s emergency sirens

Call/text 847-448-4311 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Hours of operation will be extended during snow events.