West Des Moines, IA

Snow and Ice Removal

The Public Services Department clears snow and ice from over 900 miles of streets to keep West Des Moines moving safely. Read the Snow and Ice Control Policy Manual and City Code Section 6-6-7 to learn more. 

Plowing Priorities

We plow streets in this order to ensure emergency services can reach every neighborhood:

1. Main Roads (Major Arterials): High-traffic roads used by police, fire, and ambulances.
2. Busy Streets (Collector Streets): These connect neighborhoods to the main roads.
3. Residential Streets: Standard neighborhood roads.
4. Other Areas: Gravel roads, alleys, city-owned sidewalks, trails, and public parking lots.

Control Procedures & Parking Bans

• When We Start: The timing depends on how much snow has fallen and how fast it’s piling up. We often use "team plowing" (multiple trucks) on main roads to clear the street from the center to the curb in one pass.
• Parking Bans: When a ban is active, parking is prohibited on all city streets and lots. Violators may face a $50 fine or be towed.
• Stay Informed: Call the Snow Hotline at 515-273-0766 or check the City Website for the yellow alert banner. You can also receive a text alerting you to parking bans through our eUpdates.

Resident Responsibilities

While the City clears the streets, property owners are responsible for the following:

• Sidewalks: You must clear snow from sidewalks (including those crossing driveways or alleys) within 24 hours after a storm ends. To report an unshoveled sidewalk after this window, call Community Compliance at 515-222-3480.
• Driveways: The City does not plow private driveways. Plowing operations may push snow into your driveway entrance; clearing this is the owner's responsibility. Note: You may not push snow from your driveway back into the city street. 
• Mailboxes: You are responsible for clearing snow around your mailbox so the post office can reach it. Please ensure your mailbox is sturdy enough to withstand the weight of snow moved by plows.

Tools & Reporting

• Track-A-Plow: View our live Snowplow Map to see which streets have been cleared.
• Online Reporting: Use SeeClickFix to report non-emergency concerns.
• Phone: Call Public Services at 515-222-3480 (Mon–Fri, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm).

Frequently Asked Questions