With the possibility of snowfall coming into Jefferson today, residents are reminded of the City’s snow ordinance. 

Jefferson Police Chief Mark Clouse tells Raccoon Valley Radio the snow ordinance goes into effect anytime there is at least 0.5-inch of accumulated snowfall from a snow event. He says when the ordinance is in effect, vehicles must be removed from all streets, alleyways and city-owned off-street parking. Clouse notes The ordinance remains in effect until the snow stops falling and the streets have been cleared from curb-to-curb.

“If you pay attention when they move snow here in town, the first couple of passes clear the travel portion of the roads, and then they (snow removal crews) come back and finish it off – the parking area if you will – to the curb. So until the road is cleared from curb-to-curb that ordinance is still in effect.”

Clouse reminds everyone of a separate ordinance for the downtown square. That ordinance follows the same criteria of at least 0.5-inch of snow, but parking is prohibited from 2-6am. He says that’s when snow removal crews clear the snow around the square. Clouse is asking for everyone’s help when the snow ordinance is in effect.

“We definitely ask for help from the residents to get those vehicles off the streets, to give the guys an opportunity to get out there and clear the snow so everyone can get to where they’re going safely.”

Clouse adds that if a vehicle is found parked on the street during the ordinance, the vehicle owner could face a citation and a fine.