To help keep streets, sidewalks and public ways 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 15-19.
Community members 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.
“Snow and ice create challenges for residents, businesses and city staff alike, but when we all pitch in and do our part, the season is safer and easier for everyone,” said Acting Public Works Director Edgar Cano. “With winter approaching, I encourage all community members to take a moment to review seasonal parking and shoveling regulations to ensure they’re ready for our first snowfall.”
Snow clearing regulations and resources
The city reminds community members of the following regulations and resources related to snow clearing:
- Sidewalks. Property owners and occupants are responsible for clearing sidewalks adjacent to their property within 24 hours after any accumulation of snow or ice; paths must be at least 36 inches wide. Moving snow from private property onto city streets, alleys, sidewalks and public ways is prohibited.
- Refuse containers. Property owners and occupants are responsible for clearing snow from around their trash and recycling containers to allow crews to empty them.
- Fire hydrants. Community members are encouraged to “adopt a fire hydrant” this winter and keep it visible and accessible for first responders.
- Landlord responsibilities. Landlords are responsible for keeping sidewalks, parking lots and all common areas, including open stairwells, free from hazardous conditions at all times.
- Shoveling assistance. 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.
- Reporting violations. To report a snow removal violation, residents may call or text 847-448-4311.
Parking restrictions
In the event of accumulated snowfall, the city may enforce temporary parking restrictions in the form of a Snow Route Parking Ban (main streets) or Snow Emergency (side streets). 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 the parking restrictions posted on their block and online at cityofevanston.org/snow.
Any time 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.
Convenient parking notifications
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 or text 847-448-4311 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Hours of operation will be extended during snow events.
For more information, visit cityofevanston.org/snow or call/text 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents may simply dial 311 in Evanston.