Snow Emergencies

Snow Emergencies

Please be reminded that parking restrictions will go into effect during any snow storm that a snow emergency is declared. Snow emergencies are declared when three or more inches of snow are predicted. These restrictions are enforced on all snow emergency routes within the township boundaries. These restrictions were adopted by the Board of Commissioners under Ordinance 524 which prohibits vehicle parking during the snow emergency on any designated snow emergency route.

Ordinance 524 reads "When a snow emergency has been declared throughout the township, it shall be unlawful to park any vehicle on any street that is designated a snow emergency route until the snow has been completely plowed for the full width of the cart way."

Accumulation Over 3 Inches

Pursuant to Ordinance 683 (PDF), after any snow emergency is declared and/or upon the accumulation of 3 inches of ice or snow, it shall be unlawful, at any time during the continuance of the emergency, for any person to park a motor vehicle or to allow that vehicle to remain parked anywhere on any snow emergency route.

When a snow emergency has been declared due to accumulation, it shall be unlawful to park any vehicle on streets throughout the Township until the snow has been completely plowed for the full width of the cartway. This provision shall not apply to those streets within the Township where only on-street parking is available.

Additional Information

Parking in cul-de-sacs is another problem that has caused serious delays for emergency vehicles. Vehicle parking in cul-de-sacs is not permitted at any time during the duration of the snow emergency declaration.

Please check your mail boxes to make sure it is sound and at least 6 inches behind the face of the curb. Mailboxes which hang out past the curb might be damaged during snow plowing operations.

West Norriton Township and the Jefferson Fire Company also request that all fire hydrants that are located in front of your home also be cleared of snow.

Please help us to help you have a safe and pleasant winter season.

Helpful Snow Plowing and Shoveling Information

1) Our crews do not intentionally plow in the ends of your driveways. In most storms we make several passes to open up the street and come back later to clean "curb to curb" or to the "edge of the road." If possible, please delay cleaning the end of your driveway until the Township Public Works Department has completely cleared your street.

2) When shoveling or plowing your driveways place the snow to the right as you face the road from your house. Our plows usually come from the left and any snow placed to the left of your driveway will be pushed across the front of your driveway as the plow pass.

3) If possible, please do not park on municipal roadways when snow is in the forecast. Cars left on the roadway force plows to maneuver around them, slowing down plowing operations and resulting in piles of snow being left in the roadway.

4) Do not place snow on the roadways. Placement of snow from sidewalks, driveways and/or parking lots onto municipal roadways is prohibited by Township Ordinance and makes plowing and cleanup by the Public Works Department staff more difficult.