Snow removal has its rules

Spokane Valley Police want to remind the citizens and businesses they serve that it is illegal to move snow from their property to city streets or public right of way, said Sgt. Dave Reagan.

Plowing, blowing or shoveling snow into the roadway is considered a public nuisance under Washington state law. Violators could be cited and face a criminal misdemeanor charge in court.

Coincidentally, moving Spokane Valley’s snow off the street or the public right of way is also an offense, albeit only a city and county code violation. Any private citizen who plows a city roadway must have a permit and be bonded.

This rule is designed to protect the city should a private plow operator be injured or damage private or city property. In at least one incident last winter, a good Samaritan used an all-terrain vehicle to plow his street and ended up being challenged by officers.

“As much as we are charged with protecting the citizens and businesses of Spokane County, we are also charged with protecting the city,” Spokane Valley Police Chief Rick VanLeuven said recently.

“We would rather educate people today so that they can comply with these rules,” he said.

“I hope this will allow us to address more serious criminal matters and not be forced to take enforcement action over snowplowing issues down the road.”