While Guthrie County has not seen a major snow event yet this winter, it’s good to keep in mind your City’s snow ordinance.

Guthrie County Sheriff Marty Arganbright reminds residents to be informed of their local ordinance, and to cooperate with snow maintenance crews to help keep roads cleared during a storm, “Whenever there’s an accumulation of snow and the plows are going to be out or the trucks to salt and sand the streets, everyone should be aware of moving their cars and not parking on snow routes.”

Arganbright says the Sheriff’s Office typically gives motorists a written warning if they are parked on a City street during the first substantial snow storm of the season, but then they issue tickets according to a City’s code for repeat offenders. The Stuart Police Department informs residents that they will issue tickets and tow vehicles if necessary per the City’s request.

In the City of Stuart, where snow accumulation is apparent and snow removal operations are in progress, residents are not to park, abandon, or leave unattended any vehicle on any public, street, alley, or City-owned off-street parking area from now to April 1st. It is also unlawful for a motorist to block or impede traffic on a City-designated snow route. It’s also unlawful for Stuart residents to place any ice or snow from private property, sidewalks, or driveways onto a street or alley so as to not obstruct gutters or impede traffic. Exceptions are made in the cleaning of large commercial drives in business districts when accumulation is arranged to be removed promptly.

For Guthrie Center residents, vehicles are to be removed from any residential street, alley, or City-owned off-street parking when there’s at least two-inches of snow accumulation. Those vehicles in violation may be towed, fined or both. Residents are reminded to promptly remove snow and ice from sidewalks as well. Those that do not may be assessed the cost of having it done by City crews.

As for the City of Panora, vehicles are not allowed to be parked for 48-hours after a snow event on any public street, alley, or City-owned off-street. City Code states that vehicles must not be parked on a public street, alley, City-owned off-street parking or any areas not zoned as Business Commercial until the snow has been removed. Parking is allowed on the west side of North 1st Street between Main and Market Street any time during snowfall. When snow routes are designated by the City Council, it is unlawful for a motorist to impede or block traffic. It is also unlawful to dump snow or ice on to sidewalks or streets.