City of Syracuse to Hold Seminar for Snow Removal Contractors

New provision in city ordinance will help improve safety for pedestrians and drivers

Syracuse, N.Y. – The City of Syracuse will hold an educational seminar for snow removal contractors on Friday, Nov. 8 at 10:30 a.m. in the Atrium at City Hall Commons (201 E. Washington St.). By attending the session, snowplow operators who work in the City can receive a reduction in their licensing fees for the 2019-20 winter season.

Under a new provision enacted by the Syracuse Common Council earlier this year, the City is required to conduct an educational seminar for snow removal contractors (Chapter 9, Article 14 – Snow Removal Contractors). The program will provide information to private operators on city ordinances governing snow removal, as well as the requirements for obtaining plow licenses.

City law requires that private snowplow operators must obtain a license to work in the City. They must maintain complete records of their customers and are forbidden from pushing snow into “the street, gutter…park or any sidewalks.” All contractor equipment must display a decal showing the year and license number of the operator. The ordinance also includes a provision for fines or revocation of plow licenses.

“Private plow operators play a critical role in keeping Syracuse open for business in snowy weather,” Department of Public Works Commissioner Jeremy Robinson said. “The seminars required by the Council are a good idea. They can help make sure plow drivers know the rules of the road in snowy weather, which will improve safety to pedestrians and drivers. We hope to see fewer cases of snow plowed in the roadway or covering our sidewalks.”

The cost of a private snowplow operator license is $50 for the first vehicle and $10 for every additional vehicle. When operators attend the educational session, the cost is reduced to $10 for each vehicle. Licenses are available on an annual basis from the Licensing Division of the City Department of Finance. The City will hold a second seminar for snow removal contractors on Friday, Feb. 7 at 10:30 a.m. at the Atrium at City Hall Commons.