Ice and Snow Removal: Who is Responsible in your Subdivision?

As the City of Mason grows, new roads that must be cleared of snow and ice are added every year. With the winter season upon us, it is important to note who is responsible for the removal of snow and ice within your subdivision. Even though a public street is dedicated to the city, the city does not automatically maintain these streets in a new subdivision. The streets are not maintained until they are accepted by City Council.

Before selling lots in a subdivision, the developer divides the property into individual lots and dedicates right-of-way to the city. Usually, the majority of the water lines, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and streets are complete at the time the developer divides the property, with the exception of the top course of asphalt on the streets. Although these public improvements are on the city's property, the developer is responsible for their maintenance until the public improvements are accepted. For this reason, City Council's policy has been to salt all public streets (accepted or not) but to plow only those streets accepted for maintenance.

In order for the public improvements (water lines, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and streets) to become the city's responsibility, City Council must accept them. The first step in this process is for the Public Works, Public Utilities, and Engineering Departments to inspect the improvements for compliance with city specifications. Items that need to be corrected are identified, which includes putting the final course of asphalt on the streets. Once the developer completes all the items, staff presents an ordinance for acceptance of the public improvements to City Council.

After Council's approval, the public improvements are in a one-year maintenance warranty period. During this period, the city is responsible for clearing the streets, but the developer guarantees the public improvements by maintaining the responsibility to repair any failures or malfunctions that occur. This policy protects Mason taxpayers from paying for the completion of costly repairs that are the responsibility of the developers.

Some streets are private and will never be plowed by the city. These streets are usually around condominium developments and are maintained by the homeowner associations.

To determine whether your street is private, check the street sign. If it is green lettering on a white background, it is a private street. Signs with white lettering on a green background are public streets. You can also check the city's street map to find out if the street you live on is private. If you are unsure of the status of your subdivision or have further questions, please contact the Engineering Department at 513-229-8520.

The following subdivisions have NOT been accepted by City Council and have a contact person you may call if you have questions or complaints on the snow and ice removal:

Carmelle Subdivision, Phases 3 and 4
Jill Prior
513-891-7100 x106

Estates of Chestnut Hill
Jim Kiefer, Great Traditions
513-563-4070

Last updated December 10, 2009