Snow Plowing

Pushing, blowing, shoveling or storing snow onto or across public roads is not permitted per Shoreview City Code 211.060 (D)and Chapter 412.221, Subd. 6 of the Minnesota State Statute.

• To report damage to mailbox please email Jason Ewell.
• To report sod damage, please complete our sod damage report.
  • Crews will be out this spring to remove any chunks of dirt or grass and replace it with black dirt and seed.
  • Work will begin once the weather allows us to and the threat of frost is gone.

Snow plowing and ice control operations can cause property damage even under the best of circumstances and care on the part of the operators. The major types of damage are to improvements in the city  right-of-way which typically extend approximately 10-15 feet beyond the curb location. The intent of the right-of-way is to provide room for snow storage, utilities, sidewalks and other city uses. However, certain private improvements such as mailboxes are required within this area.

If a mailbox, conforming to US Postal requirements, is damaged due to direct contact by a snow removal vehicle, the city , at its option, will repair or replace at a cost not to exceed $50 per address per year. Mailboxes should be constructed sturdily enough to withstand snow rolling off a plow or wing. Damage to fences, trees or other structures will not be repaired or replaced by the city  if they are within the public right-of-way. Turf areas that are scraped or gouged by city  equipment will be repaired by top dressing and seeding the following spring. Residents are required to assist by watering the areas that are repaired.

Tips for homeowners

In order to avoid problems with your mailbox during the winter season, residents are encouraged to follow these guidelines:

• Make sure your mailbox meets postal and city standards.
  • Bottom of the box is 48 inches above the street
  • Mailbox is mounted so the door, when closed, does not extend beyond the back of the concrete curb.
• In general, avoid installation of paper boxes, flower planters, or other attachments beneath the mailbox.
  • If you do install these items, be sure they are set back at least 10 inches from the front of the mailbox. The city will not be responsible for damage to these items.
• Conduct regular inspections and perform routine maintenance on your mailbox, just as you would for other parts of your property.
• Clear snow away from the mailbox area after each plowing. Snow that remains in front of the mailbox will get compacted by post office vehicles and make subsequent plowing less effective.

In the event of a fire emergency during the winter, could firefighters find the hydrant near your home? Or does it get buried under a pile of snow? The city encourages residents to clear the hydrant area near their home and keep it clear throughout the winter season. This will ensure hydrants are visible and will greatly speed the response time in case of an emergency.

Some hydrants are covered in red plastic bags during the winter. These bags prevent road salt from corroding the hydrants and ensure that the hydrants are easy to open. These bags are made of a high grade plastic and can be easily ripped or cut open in the event of an emergency.

How can I prevent the plow from hitting my grass? 

Place reflectors along the curb to help plow drivers see and follow the road edge. However, varying weather conditions may make some sod damage inevitable. Please report any sod damage and crews will re-seed the area in the spring.

Why are there red bags on my fire hydrant? 

Salt can sometime create a film on the hydrant and make it difficult to open. The red bags help keep the salt off and allow easy access during emergencies.

Does Shoreview use sand or salt to combat the ice?

Shoreview uses salt to fight ice and slippery conditions. Salt is more effective than sand at creating traction and eliminating the ice.

What are the lines on the road that I see before a snow storm? 

This is a mixture that is used to prevent ice and snow from freezing to the road surface. This allows the plows to scrape more ice and snow off the roadway. This results in a smoother, safer driving surface for all drivers.

When do plow crews begin clearing the roads?

Plows typically begin plowing after two inches of snow fall. They may be out earlier if the conditions are creating dangerous driving conditions.

Why do people on the corners always have more snow to clear than those who don't?

When plows turn a corner, snow can build up inside the plow and is discharged at the next driveway or once the plow picks up speed.

Do I need to clear out from around my mailbox?

It is not required but it will help the mail carrier and prevent you from slipping on ice or snow when getting your mail. Also, if the snow builds up too much, the post office may refuse to deliver your mail.

Do I need to clear out my fire hydrant?

It is not required by the city but it is a good idea in case there is an emergency.

Why does the city push the snow into my driveway?

It is an unfortunate byproduct of clearing the streets. Clear away any snow left by the plow to prevent ice and snow buildup at the end.