City of Joliet Winter Weather Event Guidelines

Joliet, IL - The City of Joliet would like to remind residents of its snow removal policies and procedures for the 2025/2026 winter season.

During snow removal operations, City snowplows may unintentionally push snow onto sidewalks, street corners, intersections, and driveways. Although this is not ideal, and the Roadways Division works to minimize this issue, it is sometimes unavoidable. Because every snow event is different, the City cannot guarantee that crews will be able to return to clear these snow berms. We greatly appreciate any assistance residents can provide.

Residents are reminded that City Ordinance 16900, Section 19-142 requires vehicles to be removed from the street when snow accumulation reaches two (2) inches or more. Please note that after the initial snow removal is finished, Roadway Crews will not return to clear streets where vehicles are moved later.

Snowplow Tracking

The City is offering residents the ability to track snowplows throughout the City. According to Greg Ruddy, Director of Public Works, residents can view operations 24 hours a day, seven days a week during snow events. "The new snowplow tracker application will provide residents the ability to track snow removal progress during winter storms and help answer questions the residents may have." Residents can follow activities by clicking on the following link: https://joliet.plowtracker.com/

Streets

Street plowing operations are performed in the following order:

1. Major arterial streets, hospital routes, hills, and bridges

2. Subdivision main routes and collector streets

3. All remaining subdivision streets

4. Cul-de-sacs and dead ends

The City of Joliet does not plow alleys.

Snow removal crews work long hours to keep the streets clear and safe. The City asks for everyone's cooperation to help maintain safety. Remember, snowplow trucks cannot stop or turn as readily as most vehicles, so please do not follow a snowplow too closely.

Due to the cost of de-icing materials, the Roadway Division's policy is to apply salt on major arterials and subdivision mains at intersections and mid-blocks. A mixture of salt is used only at intersections on subdivision streets. As a result, these streets should not be expected to be immediately cleared to the pavement.

The combination of sun and traffic helps with the de-icing process. It is possible that some snow may remain on the streets after plowing, as allowances must be made for manhole covers and other above-pavement obstacles to prevent damage to snow removal equipment.

The City of Joliet uses a mixture of rock salt and organic liquids containing sugar beet juice to combat snow accumulation and freezing on the roadways. This combination is effective in extremely cold conditions and is less corrosive to streets, vehicles, and vegetation. Residents should expect to see a brownish residue on the streets, as opposed to a white one, which is easily washed off vehicles.

Snow Parking Ban

On-street parking is prohibited under City Ordinance 16900, Section 19-142 when snowfall reaches two (2) inches or more. Parked vehicles obstruct snowplows and leave large areas of snow and ice on the roadway. Once plow crews have completed clearing the street in front of your home or business, you may return your vehicle to the street.

Some older neighborhoods in Joliet may not have adequate off-street parking options. In these areas, residents are encouraged to seek permission from neighbors with off-street parking spaces or use other parking options, such as commercial or church parking lots, to ensure streets are clear for snow removal.

The Joliet Police Department has the authority to issue parking tickets for vehicles left on city streets during a snow event that requires a parking ban due to two (2) or more inches of snow. Additionally, they may tow vehicles at the owner's expense, including all associated towing and storage costs.

During Snowfall Events

The City of Joliet's Roadways Division will mobilize crews when there is a measurable accumulation of snow or hazardous conditions, such as freezing rain.

The Roadways Division is responsible for over 600 centerline miles of roadway with a fleet of 45 plow trucks and a crew of 47 employees. Joliet's goal is to clear all streets within 24 hours after the snow event ends. Heavier snowfalls may take longer to clear. Due to the volume of streets to be cleared and the available staffing and equipment, snowplows will not return to streets with parked vehicles until the entire snow removal process is completed. This may take one to two days after the initial snow has been cleared.

Shoveling Guidelines

The following are shoveling guidelines for residential and commercial property owners in the City of Joliet:

• Commercial property owners are responsible for clearing parking lots, driveways, and public sidewalks adjacent to their property.
• Residential property owners are responsible for clearing snow from public sidewalks adjacent to their property.
• Shoveling, plowing, or blowing snow onto a City street is a code violation.
• Shovel around fire hydrants near your property for access and around utility meters to aid meter readers.
• Clear sidewalks of snow to ensure safety for pedestrians and children walking to and from school.
• If necessary, uncover your mailbox and create a path for postal vehicles to access it.
• Assist your neighbors. For many, age or medical conditions make snow removal difficult.

Mailboxes

The City of Joliet's Roadways Division makes every effort to clear the roads from curb to curb, where vehicles are not parked. In some cases, wet snow or plow blades may damage or remove mailboxes that are placed too close to the curb. This is unavoidable. Mailbox damage complaints will be handled on a case-by-case basis. The City of Joliet will not reimburse for mailbox damage caused by improperly placed mailboxes.

The standard and accepted mailbox placement is 42 inches from the ground surface to the bottom of the mailbox. The front of the mailbox should be located at least 6 inches from the back of the curb. For questions regarding mailbox placement, contact the Joliet Post Office at 815-773-1089. If you experience mailbox damage caused by City snowplows, please call 815-724-3651. If you experience sod damage due to City snowplows, please call 815-724-3652.

For any questions or emergencies, call the Department of Public Works at 815-724-3650 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. On weekends, holidays, or after hours, call the Police non-emergency at 815-726-2491.

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About the City of Joliet

The City of Joliet is located in Will and Kendall counties in the State of Illinois, 30 miles (48 km) southwest of Chicago. It is the county seat of Will County. At the 2020 census, the city was the third largest in Illinois, with a population of 150,362. For more information about the city, visit https://www.joliet.gov.

Media Contact: Rosemaria DiBenedetto, Media Engagement and Communications Director, Cell: 847-269-5556 or email: [email protected]