Snow Removal in Waukee: The 24-Hour Rule, Parking Ban and Local Help

Waukee gives homeowners less time than Des Moines to clear a sidewalk after a storm. The City of Waukee says the abutting property owner must remove snow, ice and accumulations from the sidewalk within 24 hours after the weather event stops. If you work long days or travel in winter, that short window is the main reason to line up help before the first snowfall.

This guide collects what the City of Waukee's own pages and code say about sidewalks, street parking and hydrants, plus Iowa State University (ISU) Extension advice on de-icers. Check waukee.org for any changes before you rely on a deadline.

Waukee's sidewalk snow rule

From the city's Sidewalk Snow Removal page:

• Duty of the property owner: remove snow, ice and accumulations from the sidewalk within 24 hours after the weather event (or other cause of the accumulation) stops.
• Failure to clear is a municipal infraction punishable by a civil penalty. The city page adds an important detail: a penalty will not be assessed until 12 hours after the city has given a warning to the responsible party.
• Ice that won't come off: keep it sprinkled with salt, ashes, sawdust or sand so the walk isn't dangerous.
• No dumping snow in public areas: it is unlawful to move snow from private property onto any public street, alley, sidewalk, public square or commons.
• City removal: if snow remains for ten daylight hours after the storm stops, the city manager may, after reasonable notice, have it removed and assess the actual cost against the property under Iowa law. The page cites Waukee Municipal Code Section 136.03.

The city's Winter Weather Information page repeats the 24-hour rule and adds: don't move snow onto neighboring properties or into public streets, and violators are subject to assessments or fines.

What the fines are

The City of Waukee's posted PDF of Municipal Code Chapter 218 (Sidewalk Maintenance) lists the civil penalty as $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense and not more than $750 for each subsequent offense. That PDF is an older document, and the city page now cites Section 136.03, so confirm the current amounts with the city if a fine matters to you.

The snow emergency parking ban

The Waukee Police Department's Snow Emergency Parking Ban page explains how street parking works when snow is coming:

• If snow is forecast, Public Works puts the city's snow ordinance (Municipal Code Chapter 68.14) and emergency parking ban into effect. Parking on public streets is not allowed during that time.
• The ban lasts for the duration of the storm and the 48 hours after it ends, or another time Public Works sets.
• If the ordinance starts overnight, the city says it will consider giving residents time to move vehicles the next morning.
• A citation means a fine, and your vehicle could be impounded. Questions go to the Waukee Police Department at 515-978-7979.
• Not sure whether it's in effect? The city's advice: if it's snowing or roads are snow-covered, err on the side of caution and don't park on the street.

How to get alerts

The Winter Weather Information page says snow emergency alerts go out by email or text through the city's Notify Me tool (choose "Waukee Snow Ordinance in Effect" in the Alert Center), and that Alert Iowa and the Smart911 app, which you sign up for through Dallas County, can send severe-weather and emergency notifications.

Hydrants, trash day and plows

• Fire hydrants: the Waukee Fire Department asks property owners to clear snow from around hydrants, because buried hydrants are hard to find in an emergency.
• Garbage and recycling: weather-related schedule changes are posted on waukee.org and the city's Facebook page. Utility Billing (515-978-5502) can answer questions.
• Street plowing: the City Council approved Waukee's Snow and Ice Control Policy on January 6, 2014. The policy says it does not guarantee streets, sidewalks, trails or other public property will be free of snow and ice; it aims for an adequate driving surface and safe routes for pedestrians.

Protect new concrete (and your lawn)

Plenty of Waukee homes have newer driveways and walks. The city's sidewalk page notes that if you have new concrete, choosing alternatives to salt can help keep your sidewalk in good condition, and asks residents to consider water quality when picking an ice-melt material. The city's graphics show sand, poultry grit and tarps as salt alternatives.

ISU Extension's advice on de-icing salts points the same way:

• Shovel first, and use only enough de-icer to loosen the ice that's left.
• Calcium chloride works down to about -20°F but is corrosive to concrete and metal; sodium chloride (rock salt) works best above 15°F.
• Sand mixed with a little salt (50:1 by weight) gives traction with less plant damage.
• Don't pile salty snow on your lawn or around trees and shrubs.

Our guide to protecting your lawn from salt damage has more on this.

Shoveling safely

The National Weather Service in Des Moines warns that overexertion, like shoveling heavy snow, can bring on a heart attack. Dress in layers, take breaks, and consider hiring help if you have health concerns.

Hiring help in Waukee

Because Waukee's deadline is 24 hours, ask any company you're considering:

1. How soon after the snow stops will you clear my walk and driveway?
2. Is the public sidewalk included, or only the driveway?
3. Do you come back if the city plow leaves a ridge at the driveway end?
4. What de-icer do you use, and will you skip it on new concrete if I ask?

Our guide to choosing a snow removal company in Iowa goes deeper. Below are companies that name Waukee on their own websites.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to shovel my sidewalk in Waukee?

The City of Waukee requires property owners to clear snow and ice from abutting sidewalks within 24 hours after the storm or other cause of the accumulation ends.

What is the fine for not shoveling in Waukee?

The city's posted copy of Municipal Code Chapter 218 lists $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second and up to $750 for later offenses. The city's page also says no penalty is assessed until 12 hours after the city gives a warning. Check with the city for current amounts.

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

No, not once the snow ordinance is in effect. When snow is forecast, street parking is banned for the storm and the 48 hours after it ends, unless Public Works sets a different time. Vehicles can be fined and impounded.

Can I blow snow into the street in Waukee?

No. The city says it is unlawful to move snow from private property onto public streets, alleys, sidewalks or other public areas, and asks residents not to push it onto neighbors' property either.

How do I find out when the Waukee snow ordinance is in effect?

Sign up for "Waukee Snow Ordinance in Effect" through the city's Notify Me tool, follow the city's social media, or sign up for Alert Iowa through Dallas County.