Snow Ordanance

NOTICE TO LYON COUNTY RESIDENTS

AND LANDOWNERS

You are hereby notified that Lyon County has a Snow Ordinance that in part reads:  SNOW FROM PRIVATE DRIVES SHALL NOT BE PLACED ON THE ROADWAY, RIGHT-OF-WAY, DITCHES, OR SHOULDERS. The Iowa Code prohibits the pushing of snow from yards and driveways across the road leaving deposits of snow on the roadway. Anyone who does this may be held liable for accidents caused because of the snow.  In addition to being a County infraction and a hazard, the piled snow on the road and snow pushed into the ditches can be the cause of future blocked roads because of blowing snow drifting beyond the pile.

All round bales should be stored away from the right-of-way or at the very least not on the north or west side of the road.  These create large drifts on the down-wind side.  PLEASE REMOVE ALL FENCE POSTS ALONG THE ROAD EDGE, ROUND BALES IN THE DITCHES, TREE PILES, AND GARBAGE PILES.  All field gates should be closed so they don’t become buried in the snow that gets pushed into the ditch. 

Violators of this Ordinance may be found guilty of a simple misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine up to $100.  Please realize that these piles create snow fences that catch snow and are traffic hazards that you may be responsible for.  In addition, the piles cause more work and additional equipment breakage and slower snow removal for the Secondary Road Department. 

The Lyon County Engineer requests your assistance in keeping our roadways safe and cleared of snow. Please comply with this ordinance. Thank you for your cooperation in this very important matter.