Winter Weather Operations Plan

Emergency Response

West Fargo Public Works (WFPW) snow equipment will escort any emergency services vehicles upon request. If operations have been suspended, WFPW will be available at all times to provide assistance.

Restrictions and Prohibitions

Winter-Related Ordinances

Depositing Snow in Right of Way 

Ordinance 13-0706 regulates where snow may be stored. It states that it is unlawful to deposit any snow upon any City street.

Placing snow adjacent to property 

Ordinance 13-0706 states that it is unlawful to deposit, place, or dump any snow upon public rights-of-ways other than from adjacent sidewalks and driveways. 

Snow and ice removal on sidewalks. 

Ordinance 2-0121 states that no snow or ice may not be allowed to remain upon any public sidewalk. The owner has 48 hours to remove snow after a storm or notice will be given and the sidewalk may be cleared at the owner expense. It should be noted that if no sidewalk connectivity exists (isolated sidewalk), they may not be required to remove snow.

Stranded Vehicles

Towing and impound

West Fargo Police Department will be contacted to have any stranded vehicles or illegally parked vehicles, which are interfering with winter operations, impounded.

Damage

Through the course of normal winter operations, damage to property does occur. This damage may be caused by the plow or by the weight of the snow as it is thrown. It is the responsibility of each operator to make every effort to avoid such damage. If a crash or damage does occur it is the responsibility of the operator to notify the winter operations center immediately and accurately report the incident. Below are the most common damages found:

Vehicles

No matter how minor, the damage must be reported immediately. The West Fargo Police Department will be notified and a crash report will be filed. 

Boulevards 

WFPW will level damaged area, replace top soil if needed, seed, and hydro-mulch. WFPW is not be responsible for damages from any private contractors or privately acquired materials.

Mailboxes

If WFPW equipment physically hits the mailbox, WFPW will provide labor and up to $75 in materials. WFPW is not be responsible for any costs that exceed $75. No restitution will be made for mailboxes that are damaged by snow from the plow.

Properly installed and maintained mailboxes should withstand snow removal efforts. 

Sprinkler Systems

WFPW is not responsible for the repair or replacement of any sprinkler systems located in areas adjacent to our transportation network.

Miscellaneous Items

Basketball hoops, hockey goals, and any other types of displays are not the responsibility of WFPW.