Snow removal is one of the most critical — and most unpredictable — winter expenses for community associations. Boards understand that snow and ice management is a safety obligation, not a luxury. At the same time, a single major storm can quickly strain or even exceed a snow budget.
The good news? With proactive planning, clear policies, and active oversight, boards can significantly reduce unnecessary snow costs while still keeping residents safe and accessible. Below are practical strategies every association can use to better manage snow removal expenses.
- Plan Before the Snow Falls
The most effective cost control happens before the first storm of the season.
- Review your snow contract annually to confirm pricing, trigger depths, service scope, and billing structure.
- Make sure the contract clearly defines:
- Snow depth thresholds for plowing
- What areas are included (roads, sidewalks, parking stalls, fire lanes)
- How return visits and ice treatment are billed
- Confirm whether pricing is per-push, per-event, or seasonal — each carries different financial risks.
💡 Tip: Ambiguity in contracts often leads to surprise invoices.
- Adjust Trigger Depths Where Reasonable
Many associations automatically call for plowing at very low snow accumulations.
- Consider whether certain areas can safely tolerate a higher trigger depth before plowing begins.
- Reducing unnecessary early plow runs can dramatically lower seasonal costs.
- Safety-critical areas (fire lanes, ADA routes, steep grades) can still be serviced sooner than general areas.
💡 Tip: Even increasing the trigger from 1 inch to 2 inches can significantly reduce service calls during light snow events.
- Focus on Priority Areas First
Not all areas need to be cleared at the same time or to the same standard.
Boards should:
- Identify priority zones such as:
- Main roadways
- Emergency access routes
- Building entrances
- Defer secondary areas until after snowfall ends or traffic decreases.
This staged approach reduces overtime charges and minimizes repeat visits.
- Reduce Ice Melt Overuse
Excessive salt and ice melt application is a major cost driver — and can also damage concrete, asphalt, and landscaping.
- Ask vendors to apply materials strategically, not excessively.
- Encourage pre-treatment only when conditions justify it.
- Consider alternative products or blended materials when appropriate.
💡 Tip: More salt does not equal more safety — proper timing matters more than volume.
- Enforce Parking & Access Policies
Snow removal becomes significantly more expensive when vendors must plow around vehicles.
Boards can help by:
- Enforcing temporary snow parking restrictions
- Encouraging residents to use garages or off-site parking during storms
- Communicating expectations clearly before snowfall
Clear lots mean faster service, fewer return trips, and lower invoices.
When residents understand their role, associations save money.
Boards should remind owners of responsibilities such as:
- Clearing sidewalks adjacent to their homes (where applicable)
- Keeping drains and walkways clear after plowing
- Avoiding re-depositing snow into plowed roadways
💡 Tip: Preventing refreeze issues reduces the need for additional salt applications and call-backs.
- Monitor Invoices in Real Time
Snow invoices should never be “set it and forget it.”
Best practices include:
- Reviewing invoices promptly after each event
- Comparing billed services against weather data
- Questioning duplicate visits or unclear line items
Active oversight often results in credits or corrections — especially during heavy winters.
- Build Realistic Snow Reserves
Some winters are mild. Others are not.
Boards should:
- Avoid basing future budgets on unusually light winters
- Build a reasonable snow reserve fund
- Use surplus from mild seasons to offset heavy snowfall years
This reduces the need for emergency assessments or budget reallocations.
- Communicate Early and Often
Clear communication reduces service calls, complaints, and costly last-minute changes.
- Set expectations with residents before winter begins
- Explain what will (and won’t) be plowed immediately
- Provide updates during large storms
When residents understand the process, they’re less likely to request unnecessary services.
Final Thought
Snow removal will always be a necessary and sometimes costly part of community management. However, with smart planning, clear policies, resident cooperation, and active board oversight, associations can significantly control expenses without sacrificing safety.
The goal is not to cut corners — it’s to remove snow efficiently, responsibly, and financially sustainably, even during challenging winters.