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1. My street has not been plowed of snow yet. Why not?

In removing the snow and ice, the City responds first to all of the main roads, hills and areas near schools. Once these areas are in passable condition, crews clear the residential side streets.

2. Now that winter is over, I've seen several potholes. When will they be fixed?

If you spot a pothole on a city street, please call 216-691-7300 during normal working hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The repair will take place as soon as possible. 

Although crews routinely check all areas of the city, they are unable to cover all areas daily and your help is appreciated.

3. When will my street be repaved?

Questions regarding street resurfacing can be made to the Public Works Office at 216-291-2617.  

If the overall condition of your street is bad, contact Public Works at 216-691-7300 to check if it is on an upcoming resurfacing list. The list is usually projected over the next three years and is updated annually.

4. Who is responsible for removing snow from the sidewalks?

According to Cleveland Heights Ordinance 521.04, property owners are responsible for keeping the sidewalks clear of debris as well as snow.

5. Why do the snow plows push snow into my driveway?

Unfortunately, it cannot be helped. The snow must be removed from the traveled portion of the road. 

When the city receives a heavy snowfall, if possible, do not shovel your driveway until after the plow has gone by.

6. Why does the plow not remove all the snow from my road?

The plows are designed to ride on “shoes” that raise the blade approximately one inch from the roadway surface. This is done to prevent damage to both the vehicle and the infrastructure from raised manholes, catch basins or water valves. 

Once salt is applied, the interaction of the salt and vehicle traffic is required to melt the remaining snow cover. Streets with low traffic volumes will therefore remain snow covered longer.

7. Why doesn’t the City clean my driveway?

There are approximately 20,000 driveways in the City. The cost to clean all the driveways would be more than $100,000 per snow event. In addition, the liability to the City for damage to the driveway or property is prohibitive.

8. Why doesn’t the City salt the side streets?

Secondary and residential streets are plowed, but not salted. The cost to salt the residential streets is in excess of an additional $250,000 per winter. 

In addition, the road salt has a negative environmental effect and reduces the longevity of the road surface.