The City has a curb-to-curb snow removal policy. Dangerous hills, curves, and bridges are monitored and treated as necessary throughout an event. All public streets within Salem receive snow removal service according to the following priorities that have been established based on traffic volumes and speeds:

Priority 1
Major arteries are plowed first. These streets will continue to receive treatment as long as weather conditions continue. Blowing snow and freezing roads once snow has thawed can require continued treatment.

Priority 2
Main roads through subdivisions, streets connecting two or more Priority 1 streets. These streets will be plowed and salted once Priority 1 streets have received treatment.

Priority 3
Residential streets, courts, cul-de-sacs and alleys will be serviced once Priority 1 and Priority 2 streets are cleared.

Recreation Paths
Paths that have been determined high-traffic routes for schools are cleared first, followed by paths used for recreational use.

Not treated by City of Salem
Private residential and commercial streets and/or sidewalks, as well as, public streets in other jurisdictions.

Residents can assist the snow plowing process in several ways:

  • Do not shovel or plow snow into City streets.
  • Do not shovel or plow snow into driveway aprons.
  • Do not shovel or plow snow around fire hydrants or mailboxes.
  • Remove snow from around fire hydrants to make them visible to firefighters.
  • Keep a safe distance from the snow plows.
  • Keep children away from snow plows.
  • Remove parked cars from the streets.
  • Do not attempt to pass a snow plow.

IT IS YOUR DUTY TO KEEP SIDEWALKS IN REPAIR AND CLEAN
City Ordinance (521.06) states:

  • No owner or occupant of abutting lands shall fail to keep the sidewalks, curbs or gutters in repair and free from snow, ice or any nuisance. (ORC 723.011)
  • Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.