The City of Portola would like to remind residents that during snow removal vehicles cannot be parked on the street or blocking alleys during snow removal (Ord. 211 § l (part), 1985) Chapter 10.40.090). The code can be found at this link.

Any vehicles left on the street during snow removal conditions can be cited and towed at the owner’s expense (Ord. 211 § l (part), 1985) Chapter 10.40.091). The code can be found at this link.

Please stay informed of the weather forecast and plan accordingly.

Current snow removal practices and guidelines:

Operations

• Plowing begins as soon as there is snowfall of approximately 4 inches or more
• When the weather forecast predicts an extensive storm, snow plowing may begin before a 4-inch accumulation
• In case of an emergency, residents should call 911. When medical or fire is dispatched, the plowing crew will provide priority assistance to those units responding to emergencies to ensure a quick and safe response. 
• Limited sanding is done during a snowfall because falling snow covers the sand and it is scraped away on subsequent plowing passes, requiring additional sanding
• After the initial plowing is done, the drivers will return to widen the roads as conditions warrant and will sand areas that are prone to the formation of ice
• During a major storm, cleanup may be on-going for several days after the storm has passed
• The City’s snow removal policy provides a priority list for plowing streets; alleys are plowed after the streets have been completed. Hospital and school routes are given the highest priorities and commercial areas may be given higher priority than residential areas. 

Berms & Clearing of Berms

• In making as many public roads passable as quickly as possible, there is no way to avoid berms. City of Portola snowplow operators push snow to the sides of the roadways often resulting in snow berms blocking driveways. It is the responsibility of the homeowner or resident to clear the berm from their own driveways.
• When clearing the berm out of your driveway do not place the snow back into the street. When snow or ice is put back into the street it results in potentially dangerous mounds or bumps, which makes it difficult for the plowing equipment to remove and could contribute to an accident.

Individual Requirements:

• Vehicles parked on the street in front of homes or businesses hinder complete curb to curb snow removal. Please remove your car as soon as possible so the plows can complete the plowing process. Vehicles that hinder snow removal will be cited and/or towed at the owner’s expense.
• Items in the street such as basketball hoops, firewood, bicycles, or motorcycles also hinder snow removal.  If there is a possibility that a snowplow can hit it, it needs to be removed. 
• Sidewalks must be maintained in a safe condition, and we ask all property owners to promptly clear snow and ice to prevent hazardous conditions
• Parking legally is the owner’s responsibility in California
• When parking in snowy conditions pay close attention to curb and street markings that may be partially covered in with snow. Remember that disabled parking spots are wider; when the ground is covered with snow the markings may not be visible. 

Please remember these are only guidelines and may vary depending on the situation, the conditions of the streets, and the type of winter weather event that is occurring.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the City before winter weather is upon us for further clarification.

City of Portola

35 Third Ave, Portola CA 96122

Contact Numbers:

Normal Business Hours: 530-832-6803

After Business Hours: 1-800-678-4216

PDF file of the above information can be located here:

Images of the above information can be located below: