Snow removal guide
The ins & outs of snow removal
One of the tricky concepts to learn in a Colorado master-planned community is who is responsible for snow removal and where their responsibility starts and ends.
Snow removal is a community collaboration that includes homeowners, the Horizon Metro Districts (The Districts), and the City of Aurora. Here’s how it breaks down:
The City of Aurora
They clear Horizon’s priority streets — only. If you are new to Colorado, it may surprise you to wake up on a snowy morning to see your street isn’t plowed. Along the Front Range, cities do not typically clear snow from every street. For budgetary reasons, they only clear priority streets after heavy accumulation. If you’d like to learn more about the city’s snow removal plan and which streets are priorities, check out the city's Snow Removal page.
The Districts
The districts are responsible for removing snow from sidewalks, alleyways, pocket parks, and parking areas located on their property. To see these areas, see the Snow Map. The Districts' trigger depth for clearing sidewalk and alleyways is two inches.
Homeowners
You are responsible for your driveway/apron* and the sidewalks bordering your property. So, those who own a corner lot are responsible for clearing two areas: the sidewalk in front of your home and the one along the side.
The city code requires removal of snow and ice within 24 hours after a snowfall ends. This allows neighbors of all ages to walk through the community safely. The deadline is extended to 48 hours when a snow emergency is declared by the city of Aurora. For areas where snowplows have added to the natural accumulation on sidewalks, the deadline is 72 hours.
*The apron is the “short driveway” or area between a garage door and the adjacent alleyway.
Winter savvy tips
Love it or hate it, snow, ice and freezing temperatures are a fact of life in Colorado. Ensure you’re ready by following the tips below and reading the city's WinterWise Guide.
- Protect pipes: Wrap outdoor pipes and faucets, remove garden hoses, turn off sprinkler systems, and let indoor faucets drip during extreme cold. Open cabinets under sinks to allow warm air to circulate.
- Protect pets: Bring pets indoors during freezing temperatures.
- Stay aware: Monitor forecasts and avoid icy sidewalks and roads.
