Sidewalk Snow Inspections

Sidewalk Snow Removal

Due to the depth of the snow received during the February 1, 2021 snow storm, we will begin sidewalk snow inspections on Thursday February 4, 2021.

Please be advised that §96.26 of the Town of Hamden’s Ordinance for Snow and Ice Removal, requires that snow and ice be removed from sidewalks by the person responsible for the premises within twenty-four (24) hours after the cessation of any precipitation. If you are unable to remove snow, ice or sleet after a reasonable effort, you must spread an abrasive substance on the sidewalk to ensure that it is safe for pedestrian travel.

The Town typically determines the 24 hour period to start when the snow stops falling in the Town. If a second storm begins within the twenty four hour period, the time period to clear snow starts over.

Inspections are performed on sidewalks in high traffic areas, such as school zones and very busy business areas which have a great deal of pedestrian traffic or which are reported that a violation of the Snow and Ice Removal Ordinance has occurred.

Please be further advised that in the unfortunate event that you fail to do so, under the terms of §96.29 of the Snow and Ice Removal Ordinance, effective twenty-four (24) hours after the precipitation ends, you may be issued a citation and be subject to a fine of up to one hundred dollars ($100.00) per day.

If you have any questions concerning this policy or the letter you may receive, please call the Engineering Department at (203) 287-7040.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Town of Hamden Snow Policy Information

Snowplowing

During snowstorms (usually greater than two inches of snow accumulation) Town crews will plow based on established routes. Main roads are plowed first, followed by residential streets with one pass in either direction until the snowfall ceases. Then all roads are plowed curb to curb to allow for the best drainage of melting snow.
Cul de Sacs are generally the last residential streets to be cleared as they oftentimes require alternate equipment and/or a greater time commitment and priority must be given to clearing main roadway access.

Private Plowing/Snow Clearing

Depositing of any snow from private driveways in the public streets that results in a hindrance to traffic is prohibited as per Town Ordinance (96.35). Violators may be subject to a fine of up to $50. Homeowners will be held responsible for the actions of their contractors.

Parking

Residents are encouraged to refrain from parking on the street during and immediately following snowstorms. A parking ban may be declared and will be broadcast on local television and radio, as well as the Town's website: www.hamden.com. Parking bans prohibit parking on the odd-numbered side of all Hamden streets and allow for greatly improved road clearing. Vehicles parked in violation may be towed and receive a fine of up to $50.

Driveways

The Town is not responsible for snow which is deposited in private driveways. Plow operators have very little discretion as to where this snow can go. The priority of the plow drivers is to clear streets to ensure safe travel. If possible, wait until the road has been completely plowed to the curb before shoveling the last 5-10 feet of your driveway. This way less snow from the road will end up in your driveway.
If you cannot wait, it is best to place snow on the far side of your driveway away from the direction in which the plow is traveling. In most cases, this means placing the snow on the right side of your driveway as you face the road. This way the plow will carry the snow away from your driveway, rather than back into it.

Sanding/Ice-Melt

One of the relatively new methods being used in the snow and ice control field involves the treatment of roads with an antiicing product in advance of and during snow storms.