Snow & Storm Emergencies

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Snow Removal Tips

  1. Shovel to the right. The snow plows we use are big dump trucks. There is no practical way for the snow plow operator to stop snow when crossing a driveway. There are things residents can do to reduce the amount of snow that is plowed in front of your driveway, such as waiting until after the plow comes by, or shoveling snow to the right side of your drive as you face the street. After very heavy snowfalls, crews may have to clean up the next day, which again will place snow in your driveway. Unfortunately, some of these snow plow techniques are the only ways to make our roads safe. We’re sensitive to the work you do to clear your driveway of snow.
  2. Clear fire hydrants. Clear a 3×3 foot area around the hydrant on your block. Keeping them clear can mean easier access to water and more time doing what really matters.
  3. See and be seen. Clear snow and ice from all windows and lights, even the hood and roof, before driving. Turn on your lights. Leave plenty of room for stopping.
  4. Make sidewalks walkable. Remove snow from your sidewalk, so that our community’s sidewalks are walkable. If you live on a corner or a bus stop, clear the area. Report sidewalk concerns at wauwatosa.net/service or by calling Public Works: (414) 471-8422.

Snow Emergencies

Snow emergencies will be announced on most area radio and TV stations during and after heavy snowfall. You can also receive a text alert when a snow emergency is declared. Parking is not allowed on city streets during snow emergencies. Vehicles will be ticketed.

Whether you hire a snowplowing service or do it yourself, please remember that it is illegal to blow or push snow into roadways and city medians. Also remember that city vehicles that handle snow and ice removal are emergency vehicles. Do not follow them too closely: if you can’t see the truck’s mirrors we can’t see you.

Property owners must clear snow and ice from:

  • Public sidewalks next to your property
  • Wide multi‐use paths next to your property (you must clear at least 5 feet. Multi‐use paths are usually 10‐12 feet wide)
  • Commercial property owners and residential properties with five or more units must clear the entire width of the multi‐use path
  • Bus stops next to your property (other than Milwaukee County Bus Rapid Transit stops)
Clear snow and ice within 24 hours

Under a new local ordinance, we require property owners to clear snow and ice within 24 hours after snow has stopped falling.

Complaints, fees for not following the rule

When the city receives a complaint that a sidewalk has not been cleared after 24 hours of the snow event, our staff will clear the sidewalk and charge the property owner for the service and not following this rule.

  • Sidewalks are inspected on a complaint basis.
  • If a property owner doesn’t clear their sidewalk, we will perform the work and charge the property owner.
  • Work completed by us is charged accordingly:
    • $100 dispatch fee
    • $0.25 per linear foot

Submit an online service request for snow/ice questions or complaints.

Trash and Recycling Collection during Snow Events

You can help avoid problems with the collection of trash and recyclables during the winter months. Collections are done on your regular day regardless of the weather, even during snow plowing or salting. Please remember:

  • Don’t place refuse carts on sidewalks – Place carts in the apron of your driveway or shovel out space next to your driveway if necessary
  • Don’t place carts on snowdrifts
  • Backyard subscribers should keep a clear path at least 3.5 feet wide from the street to your garbage/recycling storage area
  • Keep carts and containers back far enough from the curb/alley to avoid being struck or buried by plows, but make sure the containers and pathways are still accessible

Wind & Storm Damage

Severe storms, windy weather and other conditions periodically down City trees and branches, which may present public obstructions or do other damage. When notified, we promptly remove such obstructions in roadways and public areas.

If you find a downed City tree or limb that has fallen on a structure or utility line, or is blocking traffic, please notify us immediately by calling: (414) 471-8422. Flooding and sewer back-ups may also occur from storms, and should also be reported immediately.

Wind & Storm Damage Collection

Storm and wind damage debris is collected and disposed of for free after officially declared city emergencies. You can find out if such conditions exist by watching local TV, monitoring our social media pages, or contacting us. If we haven’t declared an emergency, residents have two options to dispose of debris: