Snow in St. James

St. James will inevitably have to consider snow during the winter months. A snow emergency, as described below, may be declared. Accumulation under 2" may not warrant a snow emergency, however residents are encouraged not to park cars on public streets during these minimal snow events. The Street Department can provide a more efficient and better quality snow clean-up if vehicles have been moved from the street.

Declaring a Snow Emergency

The City of St. James may declare a snow emergency after an accumulation of two (2") inches or more of snowfall. During a snow emergency, no vehicle may park on any city street until the street has been completely cleared / plowed from curb to curb.

Any vehicle parked in violation of this parking restriction will be issued a $125 ticket for the first offense, and a $150 ticket for subsequent offenses during the same snowfall. Vehicles found in violation will also be towed at the owners’ expense.

Learn When a Snow Emergency is Declared

Any time snowfall is in the forecast, and especially when it starts to snow, there are a number of ways to find out if snow-related parking rules are in effect.

HOW TO GET NOTIFIED:

1. Sign up for Notify Me on the City website:
   • Go to www.ci.stjames.mn.us homepage. Scroll down and click on “Notify Me” button and follow instructions. 
2. Call the Snow Emergency Hotline at 507-375-8296.
   • You can call this number 24 hours/day for current information 
3. Check the City website at www.ci.stjames.mn.us
   • If we have declared a snow emergency, it will show on the homepage under News & Announcements 
4. Check social media:
   • “City of St. James” Facebook, or “St. James MN Police Department” Facebook 
5. Sign up for CODE RED to receive alerts in English and Spanish.
   CODE RED also provides severe weather warnings. This is also on www.ci.stjames.mn.us homepage. Scroll down and click on the “Code Red” button.
    
6. Check the “St. James Minnesota Police Department” Facebook page

Sidewalks 

Sidewalks are to be cleared of all snow and ice by the owner of the adjacent property within 12 hours after the end of a snowfall.

Placing of Snow on a Public Street

It is a misdemeanor for any person to remove snow from private property and place it on a public street.

It is against City ordinance to plow snow across City streets.

Residents are encouraged to keep their mailbox visible so snow plow operators are able to see them.

Snow Removal Questions

Please call City Hall at (507) 375-3241 during business hours if you have any questions about snow removal.