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1. In what order are streets plowed?

Public streets are cleared of snow and / or treated for ice in the following priority order (exceptions may be made for emergencies):

1. Arterial streets
2. Transit routes
3. School area streets – a three-block radius around all public schools (if school is in session)
4. Remaining residential streets
5. Cul-de-sacs

2. How soon must I shovel my sidewalk?

City sidewalk regulations require removal of snow and ice from public sidewalks within 24 hours of accumulation. If the City determines that a public sidewalk has not been cleared within 24 hours of accumulation:

• A notice is posted on the door of the property.
• Property owners have 24 hours from the notice of violation to remove snow or ice accumulations from their sidewalks.
• If sidewalks remain uncleared upon re-inspection, the City will clear the snow / ice and assess the removal costs against the property owner. Fees are based upon the amount of time required to clear the walkway.

To report an uncleared sidewalk, call 319.248.1740 and provide the address of the property, or report it online. Report an uncleared sidewalk

3. Why does the plow leave snow at my driveway and mailbox?

As the plow moves down the street, the snow rolls off the edge of the blade, discharging snow into driveways and around mailboxes. The City is unable to clear access to individual mailboxes or driveways, and cannot prevent snow from being pushed near them during street plowing. It's a good idea to check mailboxes before winter weather arrives to make sure they are stable and behind the curbline.

4. Are streets treated with salt/sand after each snowfall?

Streets are treated with salt and/or sand as needed. If the snowfall is so heavy that the area will be re-plowed soon, salt/sand may not be immediately spread since it would be quickly plowed up and wasted.

5. Can I use a snowblower in the middle of the night?

Using motor-powered, muffler-equipped snow removal equipment (such as a snow blower) between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am is not permitted under the City's Code of Ordinances (Ch. 48.05). City-owned or City-hired snow removal is an exception.

6. If it snows overnight, will my street be plowed by the morning?

Crews rotate around the clock to clear the streets as the weather indicates. For overnight snowfall, staff is called in to plow afterhours based on the time of the storm, road conditions, and amount of snowfall so that the main streets can be clear in the morning. The work is planned so that all areas are plowed in priority order as efficiently and as safely as possible. View street plowing order

7. Why do pairs of snowplows sometimes plow side-by-side?

On some streets, such as 1st Avenue or Coral Ridge Avenue, crews "tandem plow" to efficiently remove snow in one pass.

8. How many snow plows does the City have?

• The City of Coralville has seven snow plows and two endloaders.
• There are over 77 miles of roadway, 160 lane miles, and 87 cul-de-sacs to clear.
• After a typical snowfall, it takes approximately four hours to clear all City streets one time, not including cul-de-sacs.
• The City is divided into seven zones to plow.

(Figures last updated winter 2014-2015)

9. Do I need to trim my trees?

Property owners are responsible for trimming low-hanging tree and shrub branches. Trees and shrubs that encroach on streets and sidewalks can cause poor visibility, obstruct traffic signs and lights, contribute to accidents, and may be damaged by or cause damage to vehicles or pedestrians that cannot clear them. When the City prepares for winter snow removal, it is also important to keep trees trimmed so that streets are passable by snow plows.

City code (150.13) requires a minimum clearance of 15 feet over streets and 9 feet over sidewalks; in addition, limbs should not hang over the curb line.

The City inspects low-hanging trees and shrubs on a complaint basis, and leaves a “Code Compliance Notice” when trimming is needed. Property owners are given a date by which to correct the violation. For more information, please contact the Coralville Streets Department at 319.248.1740.

10. How tall can my grass grow?

Grass/Weed Height: 10” Maximum
All property owners are responsible for mowing and trimming their property. The maximum height allowed by City code for grasses, weeds, and other vegetation is 10 inches. While isolated weeds tend to grow faster than grass between mowings, the height of the majority of the grass and weeds in lawn areas should not exceed 10 inches (garden plants and ornamental grasses are excluded).

Complaints & Inspections
The City of Coralville inspects grass and weed violations when a nuisance complaint is reported. If a complaint is made, the City inspects and:

1. If no violation is found, no further action is taken.
2. If a violation is found, the property owner is notified and given five days to mow. Safety issues, such as a blocked right-of-way, may be given a shorter period of time. 
   • The City will re-inspect the property on or after the due date. If the problem has not been corrected, the City will mow/trim within two to seven days (weather permitting), and the cost is billed to the property owner. 
   • Further violations in the calendar year will be mowed by the City at the owner’s expense.

How to Report a Grass/Weed Nuisance
Complaints of long grass and weeds can be made by contacting the Streets Department at 319.248.1740 or online at www.coralville.org/letusknow.

Tips

• Mowing and trimming grass is more difficult when it is long. Watch the weather and maintain a mowing / trimming schedule.
• Remember to mow / trim the right of way (area between the sidewalk and the curb) and along buildings, fences, and other borders.
• Never sweep or blow grass clippings into the street, ditches, or drains – these are pollutants that can plug storm sewers.
• If your neighbor’s lawn is long and you have a friendly relationship with them, ask to help or try talking with them. You may find they already have plans to take care of the problem.
• Make arrangements to have your property cared for if you are going out of town or if circumstances prevent you from maintaining your property.

11. I found a dead animal. Who do I call?

If a dead animal is found in the road or in the right of way in Coralville, please call the Coralville Streets Department at 319.248.1740 for disposal. 

If a dead animal is found on City property such as in a park or on a trail, contact the Coralville Parks Department at 319.248.1780.  If the animal is in a timber area, it will be allowed to decay naturally unless it is adjacent to a trail or park area that is reasonably expected to be accessed by the public.

If a dead animal is found on private property, the property owner must move the animal to the curb; call the Coralville Streets Department at 319.248.1740 to pick it up.

If you find a dead animal with collar or identification or believe the animal is a pet, call the Coralville Police Department at 319.248.1800. Officers will attempt to locate the owner.