Facts from public sources, not quotes. Where these numbers come from
Straight answers about cost, contracts, city snow rules and salting, with a link to the source behind every number.
Get a free quote How it worksTreat these as estimates, not quotes. ProMatcher's Minneapolis page puts a driveway and sidewalk plow visit at about $44.76 on average ($39.78 to $49.73). Twin Cities Snow Plowing lists seasonal residential contracts at $600 to $750 for a suburban lot, $700 to $950 for a city lot and $1,100 to $1,400 for a corner lot, and Triple Landscaping lists $35 to $75 a visit or $400 to $800 a season. Your real price depends on the size of the area, how often you want service and whether salting is included. A local crew quotes it for free.
Day 1 rules begin at 9 p.m.: don't park on either side of snow emergency routes. Day 2 rules begin at 8 a.m.: don't park on the even side of streets that are not snow emergency routes, or on either side of parkways. Day 3 rules begin at 8 a.m.: don't park on the odd side of streets that are not snow emergency routes. A tow to the city impound lot costs $222 plus $18 a day for storage.
When St. Paul declares a snow emergency, Night Plow Routes, which include all downtown streets, are off-limits from 9 p.m. on the first night. Day Plow Routes follow from 8 a.m. the next day. A snow emergency ticket is $56, and towing and impound fees are $246 if you pick the car up before midnight on the day it was towed, plus $15 a day storage after that. The city sends snow emergency text and email alerts in English, Spanish, Hmong, Oromo and Somali.
In Minneapolis, yes. The city starts inspecting sidewalks 24 hours after each snowfall. If the walk isn't clear at the follow-up inspection, crews remove the snow and ice and bill you. The city's sidewalk flyer lists $99.20 for a typical 40-foot lot and $229 for a corner lot.
Minneapolis gives single-family homes and duplexes 24 hours after it stops snowing, and all other properties 4 daytime hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). St. Paul gives 24 hours after a winter weather event. Maple Grove gives 12 hours and Plymouth 48. In St. Louis Park, businesses get 4 business hours or until the start of the next business day, whichever is shorter, and homes get 6 daylight hours or until noon the next day, whichever is longer.
It's too cold. The University of Minnesota's MN LTAP says rock salt is effective down to about 15°F, works very slowly below that and doesn't work at all below −6°F. Calcium chloride works to about −20°F. With a normal January low of 8.8°F at the airport (NOAA), pick your melt by the temperature.
A seasonal contract locks in your spot on the route and a set price for the winter. Pay-per-visit means you pay only when it snows. The Minneapolis–St. Paul airport averages 51.2 inches of snow a season and about 14.6 days a year with an inch or more (NOAA 1991–2020 normals), and snow emergencies add apron clearing after the plows pass. If you can't wait for a callback after a big storm, a seasonal spot is usually the safer bet.
Before the first snow. The National Weather Service says the Twin Cities sees its first measurable snowfall on November 4 on average, so October is the time to get on a route.
No. St. Paul says it's unlawful to shovel snow into streets, and asks you to pile snow onto your yard or boulevard instead. Agree with your crew on where the piles go.
Yes. Requests from this site go to a local snow and landscape contractor that quotes HOA and townhome drives and walks, apartment communities, and commercial lots, from small offices to big retail centers, business parks and medical campuses. Commercial and HOA work is priced per site after a walk-through.
As estimates, Twin Cities Snow Plowing lists roof snow removal at $300 to $800, and ice dam removal at about $1,200 for a typical job ($400 to $700 per eave, $1,800 to $2,800 for a large home). Salva lists ice dam service from $450. A roof rake used from the ground can keep the edge clear between visits.
Many do. Industry group SIMA reports that more than half of snow and ice businesses are also lawn and landscape providers, and the average operator earns 37% of revenue from snow. The same crew that plows in January may mow, clean up and plant the rest of the year.
Fill out the free quote form with your name, phone, ZIP code and what needs clearing. A local crew contacts you with questions and a price. There is no cost and no obligation to ask.
In Minneapolis, Day 2 rules cover the even side of streets that are not snow emergency routes, and Day 3 rules cover the odd side. Side streets are part of the plan.
The University of Minnesota's MN LTAP says rock salt barely works below about 15°F and doesn't work at all below −6°F. Use a product rated for the temperature, such as calcium chloride.
Minneapolis inspects sidewalks after each snowfall, and if yours isn't clear at the follow-up inspection, crews clear it and send you the bill.
Heavy snow at the roof edge can melt and refreeze into ice dams that push water under shingles. A roof rake used from the ground keeps the edge clear. Hire a pro for anything that needs a ladder.
Sources: ProMatcher, Twin Cities Snow Plowing, Triple Landscaping, Salva, NOAA NCEI, National Weather Service Twin Cities, City of Minneapolis, City of Minneapolis, City of Minneapolis, City of Minneapolis, City of Saint Paul, City of Saint Paul, City of Saint Paul, City of St. Louis Park, City of Maple Grove, City of Plymouth, University of Minnesota MN LTAP, Turf Magazine. Full source list.
Tell us what needs clearing, your ZIP code and anything that helps: driveway length, sidewalks, steps, a parking lot, an HOA or condo association drive or a business entrance. Your request goes to a local snow and ice crew serving Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington and Edina, and they contact you directly with questions and a price.
No cost and no obligation to ask. Seasonal contracts fill up before the first snow, so fall is the best time to ask.
Before you sign, ask for proof of insurance, what snow depth triggers a visit, whether sidewalks and salting are included, and how storm-day calls are billed.
