You can stay up-to-date through the following methods:
Text Message Alerts
Subscribe by texting the keyword “SNOW” for parking updates, or “ODDSNOW” for Odd/Even neighborhoods, to 515-355-8815.
Email Alerts
Subscribe to email notifications for parking updates along snow routes, residential streets and Odd/Even neighborhoods by visiting DSM.city/subscribe.
Contact Us
Call us at any time at (515) 283-4950 with any questions or concerns you have about snow removal operations.
Vehicles Off Street During Snow Removal
All residents are required to move their vehicles off the street during snow removal operations except in odd/even parking zones. Click here to access the Snow and Ice Control Policy.
According to Chapter 114 of the Municipal Code, “No parking will be allowed on residential streets during snow removal operations.” Vehicles parked on the street will receive a $35 fine and may be subject to towing. Tickets can be appealed using the Parking Ticket Appeal process.
Moving vehicles off the street has many benefits:
- Plow time is reduced by almost 33%.
- Clearing streets curb-to-curb results in better quality snow removal with less rework.
- Not moving your vehicle causes a delay in plowing, which increases the amount of snow and ice compacted by traffic. Additional salt is required to melt the compacted snow and ice.
Deposit of Snow on Public Property
Keep in mind that snow removed from parking lots and driveways cannot be placed on the street or public right-of-way. Property owners who do not comply, whether they hire a contractor or not, are subject to a $100 administrative penalty for a first offense and large penalties for repeat violations.
Visit the National Weather Service's website for the latest, hourly snowfall forecast.
Timeline based on weather |
Operation |
Ordinance and Parking Restrictions |
During snowfall |
Plowing Snow Routes |
Snow removal efforts are underway along Snow Routes. Vehicles may not be parked on Snow Route streets at this time. |
3 hours after snowfall ends |
Plowing Residential Streets |
Snow removal efforts are underway on Residential Streets. Vehicles may not be parked on residential streets. |
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on designated days (see Facebook for notices)
|
Plowing Odd/Even Streets |
Snow removal efforts are underway in Odd/Even Neighborhoods. Between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., cars must be parked on the correct side of the street. Even date? Cars must be parked on the side of the street with even numbered houses. Odd date? Cars must park on the side of the street with odd numbered houses. For more information on Odd/Even Neighborhoods, visit Show Me My House. |
24-48 hours after snowfall ends |
All Clear |
Snow removal efforts are not currently underway. Residents are able to park on the street based on standard parking regulations for each street. |
To report a street that needs to be treated or plowed following the completion of snow removal operations, please call our Public Works 24-Hour Customer Service Center at
(515) 283-4950 or file a report at
DSM.city/myDSMmobile. Be prepared to provide the exact location.
Will my garbage, recycling and yard waste still be collected during snow removal operations?
We're like the postal service so almost certainly, yes. Garbage collection has only been canceled once in the past 20 years due to winter weather, so our drivers are nearly always able to make collections on schedule.
In the rare event that collections are not possible, we will provide updates on DMSnow.org, through our text alert system that you can sign up for above, on our social media and through local media outlets. If you're unsure, you can also call our 24/7 Call Center at 515-283-4950.
Where should I place my garbage, recycling and yard waste carts when there is snow in the way?
Your carts should be placed either in your driveway approach or you can shovel out a spot on the parking near the curb to place your carts. Your carts should not be placed in the street as that will delay both our garbage truck drivers and our snow removal efforts.
Remember, carts should be placed at least three feet from each other as well.