Helpful Winter Information

A winter parking ban is in effect from November 1 through April 30 (Section 10.17.030) and is enforced by our Truckee Police Department. Violators may be towed or ticketed. This ban prohibits parking on Town roads and right-of-ways.

Purpose

The purpose of this winter parking ban is to allow for unobstructed winter snow removal and ice control operations. The parking ban enhances the safety and effectiveness of the Public Works Department efforts. Please remember it is not enough to be behind the snow poles, but you must park out of the public right-of-way.

Public Right of Way

Public right-of-ways are established on recorded Subdivision maps. The majority of roads in Truckee have a 60-foot right-of-way width. This means that the right-of-way extends approximately 30 feet on either side from the center of the road. However, right-of-way widths vary and may be wider or narrower than 60 feet.

Private Snow Removal

The Town of Truckee does not provide private snow removal. However, there are many snow removal contractors within the Town of Truckee. We are unable to give recommendations, but suggest you view your local listings for snow removal contractors.

Berms

We are sorry for this inconvenience, but in making as many public roads passable as quickly as possible, there is no way to avoid berms. Town of Truckee snowplow operators push snow to the sides of the roadways often resulting in snow berms blocking driveways. It is the responsibility of the homeowner or resident to clear the berm from their own driveways.

Know the Right-of-Way

The public right-of-way is used by the Town for storage of snow plowed from the streets and should not be used for snow storage for individuals. The average residential right-of-way is 60' (approximately 30' from the center of the roadway). However there is some variance, such as Northwoods Boulevard and other arterial roads which have an 80' right-of-way. In addition, Tahoe Donner has a 20' snow storage easement on each side of the right-of-way.

Where to Store the Snow

Driveway contractors and private property owners should arrange to store snow in front yards (outside the right-of-way and snow storage easement areas), side yards, or areas where the owner is given permission. Please use common courtesy for neighbors by not pushing or blowing snow onto their property. Please do not pile snow as to block street signs, culvert inlets and outlets, or other drainage structures.

Pushing Snow into Streets

Under no circumstances can snow be plowed or blown in a manner that interferes with town snow removal operations, or with the public's normal use of town streets. When removing snow from private property, regardless of the type of equipment used, no loose or packed snow is to remain on the public street.

Vacation Rental Properties

If you are a visitor, ask the property management company or home owner in advance the following questions about snow removal:

• Is there is a snow removal contract in place for the residence?
• Are shovels or a snow blower available at the residence if needed?
• What is the name of a snow removal company who will come out and clear snow from the driveway?

Snow Removal Schedules

It's been suggested that we coordinate Town plow schedules with private snow removal companies. We are unable to coordinate with multiple private snow removal companies, yet typically snow removal companies are aware of our plowing schedules and do their best to follow after Town snow removal equipment.

There are significant factors which can change the Town snow removal schedules. For example, law enforcement may request assistance from Town plows in emergency situations; vehicle accidents or vehicles stranded in the road force plow drivers to turn around because they can't pass; high winds and/or heavy snow can create zero visibility and impassible snow drifts may slow or stop plow drivers entirely; equipment breakdowns may force a plow to return to our shop for repairs.

Town of Truckee Public Work's Crews check on the condition and placement of snow poles each fall. Snow poles are installed for the benefit of the snowplow drivers and may not necessarily be placed in front of every residential lot. Reported damaged snow poles will be replaced or removed throughout the year.

Service Requests are now being taken through our See Click Fix request platform. Requests can be submitted for snow pole repair or replacement, signage damage, road hazards, and line-of-sight issues such a trees that encroach into the roadways.

• During dangerous conditions such as whiteout storm events or icy roadways, avoid driving unless you must. 
• If you must drive, exercise extreme caution. Driving on snow-packed and icy roads requires your full attention and demands your best driving skills.
• Have adequate snow tires or chains on your vehicle.
• Remember to brake slowly and leave adequate room between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you.
• Be patient, and drive at reduced speeds.
• Allow sufficient travel time to reach your destination.
• Drive defensively; be courteous.

Frequent Inquiries

• Chapter 10.17 Snow Removal 
  • 10.17.010 Declaration of Snow Season 
  • 10.17.020 Definitions Town Rights-of-way 
  • 10.17.030 Obstructing Snow Removal Equipment Prohibited 
  • 10.17.035 Seasonal Parking Exceptions 
  • 10.17.040 Parking Prohibited 
  • 10.17.041 Obstructing Travel Lane Prohibited 
  • 10.17.050 Vehicle Removal 
  • 10.17.060 Warning Signs 
  • 10.17.070 Additional Signs 
  • 10.17.080 Removal of Snow from Town Streets Without Permit Prohibited
• Exceptions
  • 10.17.090 Snow Removal 
  • 10.17.100 Regulating Deposit of Snow on Town Street Right of Way 
  • 10.17.200 Prohibition 
  • 10.16.300 Infraction
• Chapter 13.01.270 Mailboxes
  • If you would like to view these ordinances in their entirety, see our Municipal Code and Town Charter page.