Town Of Hamden Snow Policy Information

Snowplowing

·During snowstorms (usually greater than two inches of snow accumulation) Town crews will plow based on established routes.  Main roads are plowed first, followed by residential streets with one pass in either direction until the snowfall ceases.  Then all roads are plowed curb to curb to allow for the best drainage of melting snow.

·Cul de Sacs are generally the last residential streets to be cleared as they oftentimes require alternate equipment and/or a greater time commitment and priority must be given to clearing main roadway access.

Private Plowing/Snow Clearing

·Depositing of any snow from private driveways in the public streets that results in a hindrance to traffic is prohibited as per Town Ordinance (96.35).  Violators may be subject to a fine of up to $50.  Homeowners will be held responsible for the actions of their contractors.

Parking

·Residents are encouraged to refrain from parking on the street during and immediately following snowstorms.  A parking ban may be declared and will be broadcast on local television and radio, as well as the Town's website: www.hamden.com.  Parking bans prohibit parking on the odd-numbered side of all Hamden streets and allow for greatly improved road clearing.  Vehicles parked in violation may be towed and receive a fine of up to $50.

·Driveways

·The Town is not responsible for snow which is deposited in private driveways.  Plow operators have very little discretion as to where this snow can go.  The priority of the plow drivers is to clear streets to ensure safe travel.  If possible, wait until the road has been completely plowed to the curb before shoveling the last 5-10 feet of your driveway.  This way less snow from the road will end up in your driveway.

·If you cannot wait, it is best to place snow on the far side of your driveway away from the direction in which the plow is traveling.  In most cases, this means placing the snow on the right side of your driveway as you face the road.  This way the plow will carry the snow away from your driveway, rather than back into it.

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Sanding/Ice-Melt

·One of the relatively new methods being used in the show and ice control field involves the treatment of roads with the ant-icing product Ice B Gone in advance of  and during snow storms.  The Public Works Department will continue to implement these measures and expand on them after last year's test program.

·A reduction in use of sand as a result of the ice melting product will result in less sand entering our streams and waterways; a reduction in Spring clean-up time both for property owners and the Town; a reduction in sand being tracked into homes and businesses and finally a reduction in air pollution from blowing sand particles.

Self-Serve Sand

·Sand is available to private residents only at the Public Works Garage located at 1125 Shepard Avenue, M-F, 7am – 3pm.  Private contractors are strictly prohibited from taking this sand.

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Sidewalks

·Property owners are responsible for clearing of all snow and ice from sidewalks within 24 (twenty-four) hours of the cessation of a snow event.  If full clearing is not possible after reasonable effort, sand or a melting agent must be applied to sidewalk to provide traction and create a passable walkway.  Violators are subject to a fine of up to $100/per day.  The Town may charge violators for any expenses it incurs to remove the snow/ice and file a lien for unpaid expenses.

Mailboxes

·Residents should make certain that their mailboxes are set back slightly from the road and mounted on sturdy posts. In the event that mailboxes are damaged by the snow plows, please contact the Help Desk via (203) 287-7676 or via email: help@hamden.com.

Safety Reminders

·DO NOT allow children to play on snow banks along the side of the street.  The Town may need to push back snow banks days after a storm to create room for the next snow event.

Older residents and those with health problems are reminded to avoid the extreme physical activity connected with shoveling snow.  Also, skiers, snowmobilers and A.T.V. operators ar