A day after a blizzard dumped several inches of snow in the Denver metro area, you are probably surprised to find out that your once joyous reaction to the snowfall has turned into an inescapable frustration of having to clean all of it up.
So what do you do with all those downed trees/branches, stuck or abandoned cars on the roads and the snow that is sitting in your front yard? Denver City officials are providing the following tips:
-- Don't forget to shovel your sidewalk snow --
"To help keep our city's walks safe and accessible, Denver residents and businesses are responsible for clearing snow and ice from public sidewalks adjacent to their properties," said a city official in a statement.
Commercial properties (including multi-family residential)
Sidewalks adjacent to commercial properties (businesses and multi-family residential buildings) must be cleared within four hours, after snow has stopped falling.
TODAY: Neighborhood inspectors are out checking commercial properties and will leave behind a notice of violation for any unshoveled walks.
TOMORROW: Inspectors will recheck properties where notices were left and will issue an administrative citation ($150) if the sidewalk remains unshoveled.
Residential properties (single-family homes and duplexes)
Sidewalks adjacent to residential properties must be cleared within 24 hours, after the snow has stopped falling.
TOMORROW: Inspectors will check residential properties and will leave behind a notice of violation for any unshoveled walks.
How you can help:
Anyone wishing to report an unshoveled sidewalk may do so via 3-1-1 or www.pocketgov.com.
Residents are encouraged to help one another, especially neighbors who may not be able to shovel snow because of health issues.
Seniors and others who need regular assistance can get help through the Snow Buddies program. To volunteer, visit www.denversnowplan.com.]
-- Snow on your trees: Remove with caution --
"Property owners are responsible for pruning and cleaning up debris from trees located on private property and within the public right of way adjacent to their property," said the spokesperson in the statement sent to Denver7.
Damaged Trees and Broken Branches
Check to make sure the tree is safe and clear of all utility lines prior to removing snow. If the tree is clear of utility lines, using a broom, remove as much snow as possible from branches. Do not attempt to climb tree or use ladder to reach higher limbs.
If a tree limb is broken on a tree within a public right-of-way, or you have general questions about the condition of a public-right-of way tree, please contact Denver Forestry for assistance forestry@denvergov.org.
For trees on private property, residents can visit www.denvergov.org/forestry for a list of licensed and insured tree care contractors.
If emergency removal of a fallen tree or tree branch is needed to clear a street, the city can assist, however the cost of the work will be billed to the responsible property owner.
Disposal of Tree Branches
Denver Public Works Solid Waste Management collects a limitedamount of branches as part of its regular trash collection service to residents.
Branches must be no larger than 4 inches in diameter, and they must be cut into lengths of 4 feet or less, bundled and tied, and weigh no more than 50 pounds.
Dumpster customers may place up to 5 bundles of tied branches in a dumpster, or they may set up to 10 bundles in the alley on their scheduled every-4-week extra trash collection.
Manual and cart customers may set out up to 10 bundles of branches on their scheduled every-4-week extra trash collection.
Denver residents can also drop off branches at the Cherry Creek Recycling Drop-off center located near East Cherry Creek Drive South and South Quebec Street. Hours of operation can be found on the city’s website at www.denvergov.org/recycling.
-- Stuck/abandoned vehicles: City officials are here to help --
When vehicles are stuck and/or abandoned in lanes of traffic, especially on main roads and highways, the Denver Police Department will work to have the vehicles short-towed from the roadway to a nearby location or parking lot. Drivers who have been short-towed can call 720-913-2000 to learn the location of their vehice.
Motorists are also encouraged to proactively contact private tow companies to have their stuck vehicles removed from roadways
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