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1. What Do I Need To Know About Snow Emergencies?

Winter weather imposes many obstacles for both residents & City staff.  It is important to remember City policies & procedures regarding snow & ice removal.

It is the responsibility of the owner and occupant of any property adjacent to a public sidewalk to remove any snow, ice, and/or rubbish no later than 12 hours after any obstructions have been deposited. Any removal by the City will be recorded and assessed against the property.

Parking will not be permitted on residential streets during a snow emergency, when snow has accumulated to a depth of one-half (½) inch or more. Downtown parking will be posted as NO PARKING during a snow emergency. To ensure that your vehicle does not get towed away due to a violation of a snow emergency, the Belle Plaine Police Department offers a free program called Nixle, which allows an e-mail and text message to any cell phone regarding the information on snow emergencies and/or community information. Sign up for free at www.nixle.com.

The winter season comes with unique obstacles, but if everyone participates and is mindful of snow removal procedures and safety it will help contribute to a comfortable community atmosphere.  City Code Chapter 5 Section 501.09

2. A City Snowplow Hit My Mailbox, Now What?

The City of Belle Plaine accepts responsibility for damages to mailboxes when the following apply:

• The mailbox location and construction comply with USPS Regulations and Specifications. 
• Mailboxes that are in compliance and damaged by physically being struck by a plow blade, wing, or other piece of equipment will be reimbursed.  Damage caused by snow hitting the mailbox is not covered.
• To have your mailbox repaired or replaced, please contact City Hall at 952.873.5553.  They can help you with the process.

Mailbox Installation:

• The City of Belle Plaine recommends that you call Gopher State One Call at 800-252-1166 before you do any digging.  Why? City right-of-ways are the areas provided for the placement of many public utilities, including: electric, gas, phone, water, sewer, and cable TV services.
• Mailboxes should be USPS-approved.  They must be placed flush with the back of the curb and 39" to 42" from the top of the curb to the bottom of the mailbox.  Newspaper boxes and other containers should be set back a minimum of 6 inches from the back of the curb.  The post should be set back a minimum of 12 inches from the back of the curb.  
• Placement Standards:
  • Do not attach to utility poles or other public utility structures. A minimum of 12 feet in all directions from fire hydrants must be maintained.
  • All supports must be of sufficient strength to withstand the pressure of snow being pushed against them and constructed of substances that won’t deteriorate rapidly, i.e. treated lumber and/or iron.  Snow around the mailbox is the resident’s responsibility.   If the post office can’t get access, they will not deliver your mail until access is provided.

 

3. Does the City Replace Landscaping, Sod, or Sprinker Systems Damaged by Snow Plows?

The City will repair boulevards disturbed or damaged by snow plows with black dirt and grass seed.  This work will be performed in the Spring.  If any landscaping and/or sprinkler systems are placed in the City’s right-of-way, it is placed there at the homeowners’ risk and will be the responsibility of the homeowner.