As the city of Portola prepares for winter weather, personnel remind residents that during snow removal vehicles cannot be parked on the street or blocking alleys during snow removal. This is according to Ordinance 211, Section l (part), 1985, Chapter 10.40.090. The code can be found at this link.
Any vehicles left on the street during snow removal conditions can be cited and towed at the owner’s expense. City personnel request that residents stay informed of the weather forecast and plan accordingly.
Portola’s current snow removal practices and guidelines are as follows.
Operations
- Plowing begins as soon as there is snowfall of approximately 4 inches or more.
- When the weather forecast predicts an extensive storm, snow plowing may begin before a 4-inch accumulation.
- In case of an emergency, residents should call 911. When medical or fire services are dispatched, the plowing crew will provide priority assistance to those units responding to emergencies to ensure a quick and safe response.
- Limited sanding is done during a snowfall because falling snow covers the sand and it is scraped away on subsequent plowing passes, requiring additional sanding.
- After the initial plowing is done, the drivers will return to widen the roads as conditions warrant and will sand areas that are prone to the formation of ice.
- During a major storm, cleanup may be ongoing for several days after the storm has passed.
- The city’s snow removal policy provides a priority list for plowing streets; alleys are plowed after the streets have been completed. Hospital and school routes are given the highest priorities and commercial areas may be given higher priority than residential areas.
Berms and clearing of berms
- In making as many public roads passable as quickly as possible, there is no way to avoid berms, said city personnel. City of Portola snowplow operators push snow to the sides of the roadways often resulting in snow berms blocking driveways. It is the responsibility of homeowners or residents to clear berms from their own driveways.
- Those clearing berms out of driveways should not place the snow back into the street. When snow or ice is put back into the street it results in potentially dangerous mounds or bumps, which makes it difficult for the plowing equipment to remove and could contribute to an accident, said personnel.
Individual requirements
- Vehicles parked on the street in front of homes or businesses hinder complete curb-to-curb snow removal. Vehicle owners are asked to remove their cars as soon as possible so the plows can complete the plowing process. Vehicles that hinder snow removal will be cited and/or towed at the owner’s expense.
- Items in the street such as basketball hoops, firewood, bicycles or motorcycles also hinder snow removal. If there is a possibility that a snowplow can hit it, it needs to be removed, said the city.
- Sidewalks must be maintained in a safe condition, and city personnel ask all property owners to promptly clear snow and ice to prevent hazardous conditions.
- Parking legally is the owner’s responsibility in California.
- Those parking in snowy conditions must pay close attention to curb and street markings that may be partially covered in with snow. The city reminds drivers that accessible parking spots are wider; when the ground is covered with snow the markings may not be visible.
“Please remember these are only guidelines and may vary depending on the situation, the conditions of the streets and the type of winter weather event that is occurring,” said city personnel. “If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the city before winter weather is upon us for further clarification.”
More information is available from 530-832-6803 during business hours and 800-678-4216 after business hours.
