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Snow & Ice Removal
The Albany Snow Hotline (518-476-7669 or 518-476-SNOW) provides information on snow emergencies and winter weather events. To receive text or email alerts on snow emergencies sign up with Nixle.
Parking Rules During Snow Emergencies
When a major snow event occurs, a snow emergency will be declared. This means:
- Normal parking regulations are temporarily suspended.
- Parking is only allowed on the even side of the street for the first 24 hours. After 24 hours from the start of the snow emergency residents must move their vehicles to the odd numbered side of streets for the next 24 hours or until the emergency is declared over.
- Once the snow emergency is officially declared over, all normal parking rules and regulations will be in effect.
In the event that your car is found to be in violation and towed during a snow emergency please call the Albany Police Department at 518-438-4000.
For More Information
Any questions related to snow and ice removal should be directed to the Department of General Services a call at 518-434-CITY (2489) or send us an email.
Access When it Snows in Albany (PDF), a comprehensive guide on what to do when it snows in Albany.
The Department of General Services (DGS) is responsible for all snow plowing and ice treatment of over 250 miles of city streets. DGS hires outside contractors to help with the plowing and removal of snow and ice for over 670 city streets.
Note
At no time should anyone shovel, snow blow, or plow any snow or ice into the city streets, carriageways, or crosswalks. According to City Code sections 323-21B and 323-23, violators may be fined up to $125 per violation plus cost of removal.
Property Owner & Resident Responsibility
When snow falls it is imperative that property owners keep the sidewalks adjacent to their property clear for pedestrians in wheelchairs and pedestrian walkers to safely pass by. According to City Code 323-21 it is the responsibility of all property owners' and/or residents to remove snow and ice from the sidewalks adjacent to their property within 24 hours of the end of a snowstorm.
Notice
Handicap ramps adjacent to your property are included in the code and also must be cleared within 24 hours.
24 Hours
If your sidewalk is not in compliance within 24 hours of the last snowfall, the Department of General Services may clear the sidewalk of snow and ice, and the property owner will be issued a bill for the cost of removal, and charged a fine.
Report a Concern
If you would like to report a concern regarding snow and ice removal please call the Department of General Services at 518-434-2489 (518-434-CITY). When calling please be sure to have the exact address and cross streets of the location you are calling in about.