Utah Winter Snow Rules for Homeowners: Street Parking, Sidewalk Shoveling and Plow Berms (Spanish Fork and Beyond)

By Dan VanSweden, REALTOR® | VanSweden Real Estate Group, KW Westfield (Excellence) | Helping Utah buyers and sellers since 2017

Most Utah cities expect homeowners to do three things when it snows: keep cars off the street until the plows are done, clear the sidewalk next to their home within roughly 24 hours, and never push snow back into a plowed road. The exact rules vary by city, so Spanish Fork, Provo, Salt Lake City and Davis County homeowners should check their own city code.

As a Spanish Fork–based agent serving Utah, Salt Lake, Davis, Weber and Wasatch counties, I get these questions every November from new homeowners. Here's a plain-English rundown of what the cities say, plus a few habits that keep your home, your driveway and your neighbors happy all winter.

Can I park on the street when it snows in Utah?

Usually not during a storm, and in some cities not overnight for the whole winter. Parked cars are one of the main things that keep a street from getting plowed edge to edge.

Rules fall into two types:

• Storm-based rules. Spanish Fork City prohibits parking on city streets once snow begins to accumulate and until plowing is complete or 48 hours have passed, whichever comes first. Provo restricts street parking when the mayor declares a snow event, according to ABC4's roundup of Utah winter parking rules.
• Seasonal overnight bans. That same ABC4 roundup reported overnight bans in several northern Utah cities, such as Bountiful (2 to 6 a.m., November through March) and Farmington (1 to 7 a.m., November 15 through February 28).

Because cities update their ordinances, treat any list as a starting point and confirm the current rule on your city's website before the first big storm.

How fast do I have to shovel my sidewalk?

Plan on 24 hours after the snow stops. That's a common standard along the Wasatch Front.

Salt Lake City code requires property owners to clear the sidewalk next to their property within 24 hours after snow stops falling, according to the city's sidewalk maintenance page. Spanish Fork asks residents to clear the sidewalks and mailbox access next to their homes and recommends doing it within 24 hours, though the city says it doesn't enforce it. A Salt Lake Tribune explainer also noted Provo and West Valley City use a 24-hour window and Ogden a 12-hour window.

Even where it isn't enforced, a clear walk matters for mail carriers, delivery drivers and neighbors out on foot. It also protects you: icy walks are a common winter slip hazard on your own property.

Can I blow or shovel snow into the street?

No. Most Utah cities prohibit it. Snow pushed into a plowed road refreezes into ruts and ridges and narrows the lane for everyone.

Spanish Fork asks residents not to throw snow onto the roadway, and Springville's snow removal policy prohibits pushing snow into the street after city plows have cleared it. Pile it on your own lawn or park strip instead, keeping it away from fire hydrants, storm drains and your neighbor's driveway.

Who clears the snow berm at the end of my driveway?

You do. When a plow passes, it leaves a ridge of heavy, packed snow across driveway entrances. Springville's policy states plainly that clearing those berms is each property owner's job, and that's the norm in most cities.

A few tips that save your back:

• Shovel a "pocket" on the upstream side of your driveway (the side the plow comes from) so the blade drops less snow across the entrance.
• Wait until the plow has made its pass before clearing the end of the driveway.
• Know your city's plow order. Springville, for example, plows main roads first, then residential streets, then cul-de-sacs.

Winter snow checklist for Utah homeowners

• Look up your city's winter parking rule and set a phone reminder for storm nights.
• Find off-street spots for every car, trailer and RV before November storms.
• Put trash cans at the curb on pickup day only, and out of the plow's path.
• Keep a shovel, ice melt and a roof rake where you can reach them.
• Clear snow away from furnace and water heater vents, gas meters and window wells.
• Watch for icicles and ice dams along the eaves. They often point to heat escaping into the attic.

If you're getting ready to sell this winter, a cleared, salted walk is part of curb appeal. Buyers notice the homes that look cared for in January. Curious what yours is worth? Request a free home valuation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I get ticketed for parking on the street during a Utah snowstorm?

Penalties vary by city, so check your city's ordinance for the details. Even without a ticket, a car left on the street can keep your block from being plowed properly, which leaves ruts for you and your neighbors.

Do I have to shovel the sidewalk if I'm renting?

City codes usually put the duty on the owner or occupant of the adjacent property. If you rent, your lease should say who handles snow removal. If it doesn't, ask your landlord before the first storm.

When can I park on the street again in Spanish Fork after a storm?

Spanish Fork's restriction lasts until the Public Works Department says snow removal is complete or 48 hours pass, whichever comes first. For unusually large storms, the mayor can extend that window, with notice posted on the city website. Check the city's winter parking reminders for the current details.

Questions about buying or selling a home in Utah County this winter? Call or text Dan at 801-857-5831, or request a free home valuation.