Winter Street Reminders

Snowplow Policy

Monticello's formal snowplowing policy is reviewed and adopted every year by the City Council. The policy outlines the minimum levels of service, but city crews strive to achieve better results whenever possible. Call the Public Works Department at 763-295-3170 to report any concerns or complaints.

Winter Parking Restrictions

The Winter Parking Ordinance is in effect whenever a snow event is declared. This ordinance states it's unlawful to park your vehicle along any city street during any snowfall event. All streets need to be cleared of vehicles for the purpose of snowplowing until all streets have been plowed. The Wright County Sheriff's Office will rigorously enforce this ordinance, and your vehicle may be towed without warning at your expense!

Mailboxes

Every year before the snow flies, it's a good idea to take a look at your mailboxes and posts. Check for obvious damage such as cracked boards or posts, missing screws, etc., but also look below ground level to make sure your post is still in good condition. A rotted post will not stand up to a Minnesota winter, and repairs are more difficult after the ground has frozen. In addition, the Public Works Department cannot be responsible for mailboxes knocked down as a result of snow thrown off a plow onto a weak post. Visit the Mailbox Damage by Snowplow page for more information.

Garbage Cans

The Public Works Department also asks residents to refrain from putting trash cans in or right next to the street during plow season. Snowplow drivers want to clear the streets for your safety, and obstacles such as trash cans need to be out of the way.

Snow Fort Alert

Parents, please make sure your child's snow fort is set well back from the street and driveway. It is dangerous to build snow forts in the mound of snow left by plowing since plow drivers cannot see children in the fort.

Put Snow in Its Place

The Public Works Department's equipment and drivers make sure the streets of our city are as safe as possible, but we need property owners to help by blowing, shoveling, or plowing their snow onto their own property or the boulevard area adjacent to their property; not in the street.

It is a violation of Minnesota State Statute 160.2715 to push snow into or across a public street. Snow deposited or left on roadways creates a hazard to passing motorists and can cause serious accidents. Even heavy snowplows have been damaged when hitting compacted and frozen snow deposited on roadways. 

Because the practice is illegal, the person depositing the snow may also find him/herself faced with civil liability lawsuits as the primary cause of the accident. We urge you, as good neighbors and motorists, not to add to the hazards of winter driving. Please help us out by keeping snow and ice out of the street.