Snow Removal in Des Moines: Sidewalk Rules, Plowing and Getting Help

If you own or rent a home in Des Moines, the first real snowfall starts a clock. The City of Des Moines requires property owners and tenants to clear the public sidewalk next to their property within 48 hours after the snowfall ends. This guide walks through what the city's own pages and code say, what happens if a walk isn't cleared, how parking works while plows are out, and how to find help if you can't shovel yourself.

Everything below comes from the City of Des Moines Public Works pages and the city code, plus Iowa State University (ISU) Extension for the salt advice. Rules can change, so treat the city's site as the final word.

The Des Moines sidewalk rule in plain English

According to the city's Sidewalk Snow Removal page, the municipal code requires property owners and tenants to remove snow and ice from sidewalks within 48 hours following the end of a snowfall.

The code itself (Chapter 102 of the Des Moines Code of Ordinances) adds a few details worth knowing:

• Who is responsible. The owner, tenant or lessee of property next to a public sidewalk. The code says they are jointly and severally responsible, which means the city can hold any of them responsible, so landlords and renters should agree in writing on who shovels.
• "Within a reasonable time," and no more than 48 hours after the weather event that left the snow or ice. In extraordinary weather, the public works director can allow more time.
• Snow season in the code runs from October 15 to April 15.
• Trails that double as sidewalks. If a multi-use recreational trail serves as the public sidewalk along a street, the code says you only have to clear a 4-foot-wide path on it.
• Ice you can't remove. If ice can't reasonably be removed, the code says to keep it sprinkled with sand or de-icing chemicals within 48 hours so the walk isn't dangerous, and to remove it as soon as practical.
• Where the snow goes. Sec. 102-126 says you can't put snow from private property onto a street, alley or other public property, and snow from the sidewalk or driveway approach can't go onto the traveled part of the street. You can put it on the public border area (the strip of yard next to the walk or driveway).

What happens if the sidewalk isn't cleared

The city's Sidewalk Snow Removal page says property owners and tenants who don't comply are subject to a $75 administrative penalty for a first offense, with larger penalties for repeat violations over a period of three years.

Neighbors can report a sidewalk that still isn't cleared after 48 hours by calling the Public Works 24-Hour Customer Service Center at (515) 283-4950 or by filing a report online through the city's site.

The code (Sec. 102-129 to 102-131) also lets the city remove the snow itself after posting or mailing a notice that gives at least 24 hours, and then assess the actual cost of removal against the property, collected like a property tax. You can request a hearing in writing within ten calendar days of the assessment notice.

Parking and plowing: the city's snow timeline

Sidewalks are your job; streets are the city's. The Des Moines Snow Removal page lays out a timeline that affects where you can park and when your driveway end may get a fresh ridge of plowed snow:

1. During snowfall: crews plow Snow Routes, and vehicles may not be parked on Snow Route streets.
2. About 3 hours after snowfall ends: crews start on residential streets, and vehicles may not be parked on residential streets.
3. Odd/Even neighborhoods (7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on designated days): park on the side with even-numbered houses on even dates and the side with odd-numbered houses on odd dates.
4. 24 to 48 hours after snowfall ends: "All Clear," and normal parking rules return.

The city's page also says you can sign up for text alerts by texting SNOW (parking updates) or ODDSNOW (Odd/Even neighborhoods).

Practical tip: if you hire a service, ask them to come back after the street plow passes. Plows often leave a ridge across driveway ends, and that ridge is usually what traps a car.

Clearing your walk without wrecking your lawn

Shoveling early is the most effective thing you can do, and ISU Extension's salt guidance lines up with that:

• Remove snow first, salt second. ISU says to wait until the precipitation has ended, remove as much snow and ice as possible, then use just enough de-icer to loosen what's left and shovel that off.
• Rock salt has limits. ISU notes sodium chloride is most effective above 15°F. The Iowa Stormwater Education Partnership's homeowner guide recommends sand for traction during freezing rain or very cold weather.
• Mix in sand. ISU says 50 pounds of sand mixed with one pound of salt works effectively and does less damage to plants.
• Don't pile salty snow on the lawn or around shrubs. ISU warns that salt can build up in soil and injure turfgrass, trees and shrubs.

For more, see our guide to protecting your lawn from salt damage.

Shoveling safely

The National Weather Service office in Des Moines warns against overexertion such as shoveling heavy snow, because the strain of cold and hard work can bring on a heart attack. Ready Iowa (Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management) suggests stretching to warm up and taking frequent breaks. If you have a heart condition or other health concern, talk with your doctor before you shovel, and consider hiring help.

If you can't shovel: help and hiring

The city's Sidewalk Snow Removal page says low-income seniors and disabled persons who can't remove snow because of physical or financial constraints are encouraged to contact United Way 2-1-1 to find snow removal assistance for private property owners in Des Moines.

If you'd rather hire a company, our guide to choosing a snow removal company in Iowa covers the questions to ask, how per-visit and seasonal agreements usually differ, and what to put in writing, including whether the city sidewalk is included and how fast they'll come after a storm, so you can meet the 48-hour deadline.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to shovel my sidewalk in Des Moines?

The City of Des Moines says property owners and tenants must remove snow and ice from sidewalks within 48 hours after a snowfall ends. In extraordinary weather the public works director can allow more time, so watch the city's announcements after a big storm.

What is the fine for not shoveling in Des Moines?

The city's Sidewalk Snow Removal page lists a $75 administrative penalty for a first offense and larger penalties for repeat violations over a three-year period.

Do renters have to shovel in Des Moines?

The city names tenants as well as owners, and the code makes owners and tenants jointly responsible. Check your lease and agree with your landlord on who handles it.

Where can I park during snow removal in Des Moines?

Don't park on Snow Routes while it's snowing or on residential streets once residential plowing starts, about three hours after the snow ends. In Odd/Even neighborhoods, park on the side matching the date's odd or even number from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on designated days.

Is there help for seniors who can't shovel?

Yes. The city encourages low-income seniors and disabled residents who can't clear their snow to contact United Way 2-1-1 to find snow removal assistance.