Snow Removal

Snowfall Less Than Three Inches in Depth

Major Roads– 200 lane miles that are traveled by most of the vehicular traffic as well as emergency vehicles. These roadways are divided into five routes that are plowed and de-iced on an as-needed basis 24 hours per day, seven days per week through the duration of the storm. Attention is given to all five routes concurrently until bare pavement is achieved.

Local and Neighborhood Roads— At the conclusion of the storm, 312 lane miles of local roads are plowed and/or spot de-iced on an as-needed basis during regular business hours, Monday through Friday; unless otherwise deemed necessary by the Director of Public Works.

Snowfall of Three or More Inches Throughout the City of Novi

Major Roads– 200 lane miles that are traveled by most of the vehicular traffic as well as emergency vehicles. These roadway are divided into five routes that are plowed and de-iced on an as-needed basis 24 hours per day, seven days per week through the duration of the storm. Attention is given to all five routes concurrently until bare pavement is achieved.

Local and Neighborhood Roads— Once the major road routes have been returned to a safe, travelable condition, 312 miles of local roads are plowed curb to curb and spot de-iced (liquid or granular) at the end of the storm.

Should weather conditions deteriorate causing the major roads to become unsafe, local street clearing operations will be suspended until the major roads are returned to safe travel conditions. This type of winter weather event could require additional days to clear all City streets.

What about sidewalks?

The City's ordinance requires residents and business owners to clear all ice and snow from sidewalks within 48 hours of the end of a snow storm with an accumulation greater than two inches. For lots that abut intersections, this also includes clearing sidewalk ramps.

DPW clears sidewalks on City-owned property as well as along certain major roads in Novi.

City of Novi Sidewalk Snow Clearing Areas

Sidewalk / Pathway Maintenance Guide

 Tips on how to avoid the "Second Shovel"

Damaged Mailboxes

Despite best efforts by snowplow operators to be cautious when plowing near mailboxes, occasionally a box is damaged. In most cases the damage is not caused directly from the plow, but by the force of the accumulated snow.

Please report a damaged mailbox one of the following ways:

• Call DPW at 248-735-5640
• Send a text message to 248-278-7611
• Submit a request online

There are several ways in which you can help make this winter's snow and ice removal operations much smoother:

• Interacting with City snow and ice control equipment - Always stay a safe distance of at least 50 feet behind DPW trucks.
• Sidewalk clearing - it is your responsibility to clear the sidewalk abutting your property per City ordinance.
• Mailbox clearing - it is also your responsibility to clear around your mailbox, otherwise the U.S. Postal Service may not be able to deliver your mail.
• Driveway clearing - When your street gets plowed, snow from the plow's blade gets deposited along the edge of the street - including at the entrance to your driveway. Please be aware that the City does not plow drive approaches. Also, please do not move snow back into the roadway as it creates an added hazard for vehicles, plus it violates the city's ordinance.
• Potholes - occasionally during the winter, potholes will develop in the pavement - especially when there are multiple freeze/thaw cycles. Please report potholes to DPW, and they will be filled as soon as practical.
• Items in the right-of-way - occasionally, items placed in the public right-of-way get damaged by snow removal operations. Please remove items such as portable basketball hoops, lawn ornaments, statuary, etc. so they do not become damaged. The City is NOT responsible for damage to items left in a street's right-of-way.
• Children - snow banks and snow plows are kid magnets. Please make sure your children do not play on a street's snow banks, and that they stay a safe distance away from plows working on your street.

Snow Clearing Diagram