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Snow clearance in Detroit

Snow removal firms and roofers.

72 pros in Detroit

Snow clearance in Detroit comes with a rule that shapes how the work is done: the city's Department of Public Works says snow removal companies and property owners may not put snow from their property onto public roadways. Ordinance 8-15-103 also sets a 24-hour window to clear a sidewalk after snow falls or ice forms, or to treat it with salt, sand or another approved material. The city's own crews do little on smaller storms. For snow or freezing rain of 3 inches or less, which is an average of 80% of Detroit snow events, they only salt major thoroughfares. That leaves side streets and your own frontage to you. When you hire a plow or shovel crew, ask where they will pile the snow and how they keep it off the roadway. Ask whether sidewalk clearing is included, and how fast they respond after a storm. Get the scope and timing in writing before the first snowfall, which on average arrives in mid-November.

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What to know in Detroit

Before you hire

  1. Put it in a written contract: the work, price, deposit, start and finish dates, warranty, permits and clean-up. Paying cash to skip it leaves you no recourse.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

  2. Ask about liability insurance and workers’ compensation cover before anyone works on your roof or property.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

  3. Get written quotes from at least three contractors for the same work, and check references from recent clients.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

Questions about hiring in Detroit

Can a plow company push my snow into the street in Detroit?

No. Detroit's Department of Public Works says snow removal companies and property owners are prohibited from putting snow from their property onto public roadways. Ask any company you hire where it will pile the snow on your lot, and have that written into the agreement so the responsibility is clear. City of Detroit, Department of Public Works (source, opens in a new tab)

How soon must I clear my sidewalk in Detroit?

Ordinance 8-15-103 requires snow or ice on a sidewalk to be removed within 24 hours after it falls or forms, or enough salt, sand, ashes or other approved material applied to make it safe. If you hire help, confirm sidewalks are included in the service. City of Detroit (source, opens in a new tab)

What should a snow clearance quote or contract include?

Ask for the areas covered, such as driveway, walkways and sidewalk, and what snowfall triggers a visit. Ask about the response time after a storm, where snow will be piled, whether salting is included, and how visits are recorded. Get all of it in writing before the season begins.

How do I compare quotes from snow removal companies?

Compare like with like: the same areas, the same trigger for a visit, and the same salting and sidewalk terms. Ask each company for proof of insurance and for how it handles damage to lawns, curbs or fences. A quote that leaves out these points is hard to compare.

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