Tips for navigating winter in Summit County

Key winter safety tips :

1. Snow Removal Hours: Summit County snow removal operates from 4:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. Operators have a maximum driving time of 11 hours in a 24-hour period and up to 60 hours per week.
2. Snow Storage: Property owners must keep snow from their property, including driveways, within their own property. It’s prohibited to push, blow, or shovel snow onto County roads or into the County right-of-way, as it poses hazards to plow operators and drivers. The County right-of-way extends 30 ft from the centerline of the road.
3. Risk to Objects in Right-of-Way: Landscaping, mailboxes, markers, and other items in the County right-of-way are at risk during snow removal. The County is not responsible for damage to these items, and property owners may be liable for damage to County snow removal equipment caused by objects in the right-of-way.
4. Marking Utilities: Fire hydrants and utility structures should be marked with a pole or flag at least 6 feet high to ensure their visibility even when covered by snow.
5. Seasonal Parking Restrictions: There’s no on-street parking on County roads from November 15th to April 15th. Illegally parked vehicles or obstacles hampering snow removal operations will be removed at the owner’s expense, with the owner potentially responsible for any damage to snow removal equipment.
6. General Safety Guidelines: Keep a safe distance from snow removal equipment. Be cautious when driving, walking, or riding near plows, as plow drivers might not see you. Avoid flagging down plows on the street, building snow forts near roads, or engaging in other activities that might interfere with snow removal.
7. Solid Waste Services: If trash or recycling pickup is missed due to weather, residents should bring their containers in by 7 P.M. and put them out again by 7 A.M. the next morning. If containers are still not serviced, Republic Services will return on the next regularly scheduled service day.

Learn more about Winter Safety from the Summit County Public Works Department here.