Snow and ice removal is essential for keeping our communities safe and accessible during winter weather. While the association coordinates professional snow removal services for common areas, homeowner cooperation plays a critical role in how safely — and cost-effectively — snow events are handled.
Understanding and fulfilling individual responsibilities helps protect residents, reduces hazards, and prevents unnecessary costs that ultimately affect everyone.
Below are some key ways homeowners can help during winter weather events.
1. Know What the Association Covers — and What It Doesn’t
Associations typically handle snow removal in common areas, such as:
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Community roads
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Parking lots
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Shared sidewalks and walkways
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Fire lanes and emergency access areas
However, in many communities, homeowners are responsible for:
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Sidewalks adjacent to their home
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Driveways and individual walkways
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Steps, stoops, and entry paths
📌 Always review your governing documents or community policies to understand your specific responsibilities.
2. Clear Sidewalks Promptly and Properly
When homeowners are responsible for sidewalks or walkways, timely clearing is essential.
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Shovel as soon as it is safe to do so after snowfall
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Apply ice melt where refreezing may occur
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Pay special attention to shaded areas that freeze quickly
Keeping sidewalks clear helps prevent slip-and-fall injuries and reduces liability risks for both residents and the association.
3. Follow Snow Parking Guidelines
Vehicles left in roadways or parking areas during snow events significantly slow down plowing operations and increase costs.
Homeowners should:
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Follow temporary parking restrictions during snow events
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Move vehicles to garages or designated areas when possible
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Avoid parking in fire lanes, travel lanes, or near intersections
🚗 Fewer vehicles = faster plowing, fewer return visits, and safer conditions.
4. Avoid Pushing Snow Back into Roads or Walkways
It’s common — but problematic — to shovel snow into plowed streets or common walkways.
This can:
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Create new hazards
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Cause refreezing
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Require additional plow or ice treatment visits
Please place shoveled snow on your lawn or designated areas, not back into cleared spaces.
5. Be Patient During Active Storms
During large or prolonged storms, snow removal crews often return multiple times and prioritize safety-critical areas first.
Homeowners should expect that:
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Plowing may occur in stages
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Some areas will be addressed after snowfall ends
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Ice treatment timing depends on temperature and conditions
❄️ Immediate clearing everywhere isn’t always possible — and patience helps crews work efficiently.
6. Help Prevent Ice Hazards After Plowing
Even after plows pass, melting and refreezing can occur.
Homeowners can help by:
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Applying ice melt in front of their home
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Clearing slush buildup near drains
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Monitoring areas where water tends to pool
These small actions can significantly reduce slip hazards and service call-backs.
7. Understand How Individual Actions Affect Community Costs
Snow removal is one of the most unpredictable line items in an association’s budget.
When residents:
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Ignore parking rules
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Delay clearing required sidewalks
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Create additional hazards that require re-service
…it can result in higher snow expenses, which ultimately impact the association’s budget and, in some cases, future assessments.
💡 Responsible homeowner actions help keep costs under control for everyone.
8. Stay Informed
Weather updates, parking notices, and snow policies are often communicated via:
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Association emails
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Community websites
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Owner portals or mobile apps
Staying informed ensures you know what’s expected before and during snow events.
Working Together Makes Winter Easier
Snow and ice management works best when boards, management, vendors, and homeowners all do their part. By understanding responsibilities and working together, we can maintain safe conditions, minimize disruptions, and manage winter costs responsibly.
Thank you for doing your part to help keep the community safe this winter.