FAQs Regarding the City of Leavenworth Snow Removal
- Who is responsible for clearing snow on City streets and sidewalks? The City is responsible for clearing all public streets, however, the homeowner is responsible for clearing sidewalks and the gutter line in front of their property. Per City Code: Sec. 42-6. - Sidewalk debris, ice and snow removal.
- (a) Duty of owner to remove snow. It is the duty of every person in the possession and occupancy of any premises adjacent to any sidewalk or sidewalk ramp to remove from such areas on all sides of the premises that abut public sidewalks all snow within 24 hours after the snow has fallen, and all persons failing to do so shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor.
- (b) Owner to keep abutting gutters clean. Every owner or occupant of any lot or piece of ground in the City shall keep the guttering adjacent to or in front of the premises owned or occupied or under control of such person clean and free from all dirt, filth, snow, ice, standing water, garbage or other matter of every kind and description. Every person who shall fail to comply with the provisions of this section shall, for each failure, after a reasonable time for such compliance, be guilty of a misdemeanor.
2. Does the City use salt on the roads? The short answer is ‘yes.’ Salt is used because it lowers the temperature at which water will freeze into ice. Meaning, when we salt the roads frozen snow which hits the salted pavement will turn ice back into water. However, this treatment is only effective at a certain temperature. Salt becomes much less effective at temperatures below 20° Fahrenheit, in which case we no longer see the benefits of applying salt to the roadways and may cease doing so.
3. Does the City apply any pre-treatment to the roads before a snowstorm? The City applies a salt brine solution [mixture of water and salt (sodium chloride)] to our emergency snow routes and to areas that typically are difficult to navigate in winter events (like steep hills). The salt brine helps keep the snow and ice from bonding to the road surface, making it easier to remove. If it rains on roads that have been pre-treated prior to the winter event, the brine will wash away and become much less effective.
4. Will you get fined for not clearing your driveway or sidewalk? You will not be fined or cited for not shoveling your driveway. The Leavenworth City code requires that residents clear their public sidewalks within 24 hours after the snow has fallen. Failure to clear could result in the City having the sidewalk cleared and the property assessed the costs. We encourage residents to shovel the sidewalk for the benefit of walkers and especially children trying to get to school safely. The City will only enforce this ordinance once we believe the snow event has stopped and it is safe for residents to begin removing the snow from their sidewalks.
5. Are City alleys included in snow removal? The City does not remove snow from alleys. Our efforts are focused on getting the main streets open to vehicular traffic.
6. When does plowing begin? It depends on the snow event. If a dusting to 1”of snow is forecasted, the City may wait to plow to avoid negatively impacting any pretreatment that was applied. If the forecast is for significant accumulation, the plowing will begin as soon as snow starts sticking to the pavement.
7. What is the priority order for plowing streets? As defined in the City’s snow policy, streets are cleared in the following order:
- Emergency snow routes (main arterials),
- Public Safety Facilities
- School Zones on City Right-of-Way
- Central Business District and Residential Streets
8. Why is my driveway and/or cul-de-sac blocked by snow after plowing and who is responsible for clearing it? The City will open the streets to allow traffic and access for emergency vehicles. Residents are responsible for removing snow from the end of driveways, gutter line and mailboxes.
9. After the storm, why did the snowplow come and push snow back into my driveway or sidewalk? While we understand how frustrating this is, especially in heavier snow events, it’s important that we widen the plowed width to allow 2-way traffic to safely travel our streets. The initial plowing effort is to get the road open for the public and emergency vehicles. As time and conditions permit, we return to widen the plowed area. This can push snow back onto sidewalks and driveways. You can help to prevent this by also clearing approximately 6-8 feet of the curbline to the left of your driveway (the direction the plow would be approaching your driveway). This will provide space for the snow being plowed to empty before it reaches your driveway. This is not required by the City, but it can help prevent, or at least limit, snow being pushed back into your driveway.
10. What if my street isn’t plowed? The City typically does not plow residential streets until at least 3” of snow has accumulated. Once the snow stops and 3” or more has accumulated on residential streets, either City crews or private contractors hired by the City will work to remove the snow. If your street isn’t plowed, contact the City’s Municipal Service Center (913)-682-0650).
11. My street has been plowed, but there is only one lane, what do I do? We ask all residents to drive carefully in adverse conditions. Crews will return if possible to widen the plowed area. With that said, if cars are parked on the street, widening may not be possible.
12. What do I do if I have health issues and cannot clear the snow from my driveway and sidewalk? Unfortunately, the City does not have the resources to assist with clearing private driveways or sidewalks adjacent to private property. We recommend that you contact a volunteer organization or neighbor to see if they can help.
13. Are there local “Snow Angel” agencies that will plow/clear my driveway and/or sidewalk? Not at this time.
14. As a resident, what are my responsibilities after a snowstorm? Clear your sidewalk so walkers and children can safely walk to school without having to walk in the street. Property owners are also responsible for clearing the gutter (curb line) in front of their home. It’s also helpful to move your car if it’s parked on the street to make room for the plows.
15. As a resident, whom do I call if I have concerns about snow removal in my area? The City’s Municipal Service Center (913-682-0650).
16. Do I need to move my car during a snowstorm? It is best to move it before the snow event, otherwise plowing operations may place a ‘plow drift’ or windrow of snow near your car making it difficult to move. If a ‘Traffic Emergency’ is declared due to extreme weather conditions, you will have a maximum of two (2) hours to move your care if it’s parked on an emergency snow route. By ordinance, the City has the right to tow any vehicle, at the owner’s expense, that is parked on an emergency snow route once a “Traffic Emergency” has been declared. However, we will only do so if we deem the vehicle to be in the way of emergency or snow removal operations.
17. What if I have a medical emergency and my street hasn’t been plowed or my driveway is blocked by snow? If you have a medical emergency, call 911. City crews work with the Police and Fire Departments to make sure they have access to emergency calls.
18. What can I do if a snowplow damages my property like my mailbox or curb? Contact the city’s Municipal Service Center (913-682-0650) to make a report.
19. How can I stay updated on snow removal operations?
When the City of Leavenworth shares information about snow removal, it is posted on the website, leavenworthks.gov, the City’s official Facebook page www.facebook.com/CityofLeavenworthKS and Next Door, https://nextdoor.com/agency-detail/ks/leavenworth/city-of-leavenworth/
In 2025 the City also began sending out information via the Alert Sense texting app through the Leavenworth County Emergency Management office. The City sends out texts that relate to city services to a set list of subscribers. To opt in to this service, members of the public need to sign up at https://public.alertsense.com/SignUp/publicUser.aspx?RegionId=1422
20. Does my landlord have to provide snow removal? That is between you and your landlord.
21. Does the City plow the brick streets? As time permits and if there is 3” or more of snow accumulation.
22. Is there a different snow removal process for businesses in downtown Leavenworth? For smaller snow events (6”of accumulation or less) – no. For larger events, the City may hire a private contractor to remove the snow.
23. Will my trash service be delayed? It will depend on the magnitude of the event, and the ambient temperatures outside. Updates will be posted on the City’s website, social media sites and messaging app. Our priorities are to open roadways and keep employees safe. Trash cans and bags need to be accessible. The collectors will not pull the can or bags out of the snowbank or walk around the snow berm to collect the trash. The trash collector will not take the trash down off the snow berm either. Safety of the collectors is the City’s top priority, so please make sure your trash is easily accessible by our crews.
24. Instead of plowing snow to the side and blocking cars and driveways, can snow be pushed to the middle of the road? On most residential streets with parked cars, this is not an option. Most residential streets are only wide enough for one lane. If snow was pushed to the middle, travel would be impossible. We also need to ensure equal access to either side of the street for our emergency vehicles.
25. How do I know if my child’s school is canceled or releasing early due to winter weather? Those decisions are made by the school district that your child attends. For USD 453 in Leavenworth, their website (usd453.org) contains ‘Inclement Weather Procedures’.
