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1. Why do we need a snow parking ban?

A snow parking ban eliminates obstacles that hinder the ability of City plows to efficiently and completely clear streets of snow. When crews are able to fully plow the streets, traffic and emergency vehicles can move safely and easily throughout the City.

2. How will I know if the snow parking ban is in effect?

The plan goes into effect when snow exceeds two inches. The ban does not apply to parking on the streets immediately adjacent to retail businesses. It does not go into effect until 4 pm on the streets around school buildings when school is in session.

When a street has been plowed, residents may again park on the street. However, the ban will go back into effect if an additional two inches of snow falls.

3. Why do I have to shovel my sidewalk?

Shaker’s 200+ miles of sidewalks make it a highly walkable city. A long-standing ordinance requiring homeowners to clear sidewalks in front of their homes, including corner property curb ramps, by 9 a.m. the day after a snowfall preserves the walkability of the City. Snow that fell during the previous night does not need to be removed before 9 a.m. or more than once a day.

4. Will students who drive to school have to leave class if snow exceeds two inches during the school day?

No. On streets around school buildings, when school is in session, parking will be permitted until 4 p.m. so as not to disrupt the school day. These areas include:

• Boulevard Elementary School
• Fernway Elementary School
• Hanna Perkins School
• Hathaway Brown School
• Laurel School
• Lomond Elementary School
• Ludlow School
• Mercer Elementary School
• Onaway Elementary School
• Shaker Heights Administration Building
• Shaker Heights High School
• Shaker Heights Middle School
• St. Dominic School
• University School
• Woodbury Elementary School

5. What if I am having a party and the parking ban goes into effect?

You may contact the Police Department at 216-491-1220, if you need an exception.

6. What if I don't move my car?

Residents who park in the street when the snow exceeds two inches could receive a ticket or find that their vehicle has been towed in order to facilitate snow clearing operations. The Police will try to reach owners of cars left in the street so they can be moved.

7. What is the City's policy for plowing sidewalks?

Snow Under 6 Inches

When snow is under six inches, the City clears sidewalks that are adjacent to school sidewalks and sidewalks on main arteries. 

Snow Over 6 Inches

When snow exceeds six inches, the City plows sidewalks in the following order:

• Parts of neighborhoods leading directly to the schools
• Main arteries
• Side streets

Please note: the City plows side-street sidewalks on a rotating basis, so that the City’s nine neighborhoods take turns getting their side-street sidewalks plowed earlier (or later) in the process. With two sidewalk plows and 200 miles of sidewalk, this process can take time.

8. Who clears the sidewalks around the schools?

The schools are responsible for snow removal on their own sidewalks. With any snowfall, the Public Works snow crews work to keep sidewalk arteries adjacent to school sidewalks clear, as well.

9. What are the restrictions regarding where snow can be deposited (by shovel, snowblower or snow plow)?

• Do not plow snow onto sidewalks
• Do not plow snow into the street
• Do not plow snow onto any tree lawn other than the one in front of the property being plowed
• Do not plow snow onto or in front of fire hydrants

10. Why isn’t salt applied between midnight and 4 a.m.?

The low traffic volume overnight minimizes the effectiveness of salt and can worsen conditions. Instead of salting during those hours, crews plow to provide passable roadways and salt only intersections, curves, bridges and hills.

11. Does the City prohibit the operation of powered snow removal equipment (e.g., snow blowers) between 9 pm and 7 am on weekdays, and 9 pm and 9 am on weekends, as it does other domestic power tools?

No. The use of powered snow removal equipment is a specific exception to the law prohibiting domestic power tool use late at night and in the early morning hours. There is no time restriction for the use of such equipment.