Windrow FAQ

Once snowfall begins, time is of the essence for the City of Farmington Hills Division of Public Works (DPW) to clear roadways toward ensuring they are as safe as possible for road users. During the snow removal process, residual amounts of snow will be left behind by the snowplows. This is referred to as a windrow.
 
What is a windrow?
A windrow is the row of snow left on the side of the street or at the bottom of a driveway after the snowplow has cleared the road. It is an unintended consequence of roadway snowplows.
 
How are windrows formed?
Roadway snowplows are designed to move snow from the travelled portion of the road towards the right side of the road. As the snow is moved from left to right, it creates an unavoidable long narrow pile of snow deposited alongside the right edge of the road or bottom of a driveway.
 
Who is responsible for clearing residential windrows?
Homeowners are responsible for clearing the windrows formed at the bottom of their driveway.
 
Why can’t the snowplow operator just lift their plow to avoid putting snow in my driveway?
Driveway windrows cannot be avoided by raising or lowering the front plow or side “wing” plow as doing so would leave snow on the travelled portion of the road.
 
Tips for helping Farmington Hills DPW winter operations run smoothly.

1. Don’t park on the street or over the sidewalk during or after a snowfall.
2. Keep the roads clear for plows and emergency vehicles.
3. Clear snow and ice from sidewalks bordering your property as soon as a snowfall has ended.
4. Help ensure roads and sidewalks surrounding your home are safe for you and your neighbors. 
5. Remove anything from your property that may interfere with or be hazardous to plow crews.
6. Landscaping features such as inflatables, decorative lights, fencing, decorative stones, bird baths, and more, cannot obstruct sight lines or hinder City operations.
7. On waste collection days, set waste bins back from the curb and not in the traveled roadway.
8. Clean snow off all surfaces of your vehicle before driving and keep a safe distance away from snowplows and salting equipment. 
9. Always keep fire hydrants clear and accessible to emergency responders.

 
Did you know:

• The City of Farmington Hills is responsible for plowing more than 300 centerline miles of road.
• Farmington Hills has more than 25,000 residential driveways.
• More than 5,000 centerline miles of roads are cleared on average throughout the winter months.
• On average, Farmington Hills goes through 4,000 tons of rock salt during the winter months.

 
For questions about the Farmington Hills Division of Public Works call (248) 871-2850.