Doylestown Borough declares winter storm emergency; free garage parking offered during plowing

The mayor of Doylestown has declared a Winter Storm Emergency beginning at noon Sunday, and lasting until designated snow emergency routes are cleared.

During the emergency, vehicles parked on official snow routes are subject to ticketing and towing. Borough officials are also asking residents to avoid street parking whenever possible, even on non-emergency roads, to allow plows to operate efficiently.

Only vehicles equipped with snow tires, snow chains or four-wheel drive are permitted on designated emergency routes once the declaration is in effect.

Free parking at county garages

To assist residents, the lower levels of the Bucks County parking garages at Broad and Union streets and Broad and Court streets will be open and free to borough residents during the storm.

The garages are operated by the County of Bucks. Vehicles must be removed by 6 a.m. on days the county is open.

Garage locations:

• Broad & Union Street Garage, 228 N. Broad St.
• Broad & Court Street Garage, 65 Broad St.

Officials said updates on county operating hours will be shared as they become available.

 How the borough clears snow

Plowing begins with major streets to ensure emergency vehicle access. Once those roads are passable, crews move to side streets. After that, intersections and parking spaces are cleared.

In major storms, large construction equipment may be used to load snow into dump trucks and haul it out of the downtown core to reopen meter spaces.

Borough officials noted that plows can clear curb-to-curb only when streets are free of parked cars. Crews are not able to return later to clear individual parking spots blocked by vehicles.

Residents should expect “windrows” — the long ridges of snow left along curbs and driveway aprons — as an unavoidable part of plowing. To reduce buildup at driveways:

• Do not shovel snow into the street. It is unlawful and will be pushed back.
• Clear about 15 feet of road shoulder upstream from the direction of plow traffic to reduce snow being forced into your driveway.

Drivers are reminded never to pass a snowplow unless directed by the operator and to remain at least 250 feet behind plow trucks, which often spread salt and gravel.

Sidewalk clearing requirements

Borough ordinance requires property owners to clear snow and ice from sidewalks within 10 hours after snowfall ends. Overnight snowfall must be cleared by 10 a.m. the next morning.

Guidelines include:

• Clear the full width of the sidewalk down to bare pavement.
• Treat icy areas with sand or similar material.
• Pile snow in yards, not in streets or alleys.
• Clear curb cuts and crosswalk access on corner properties.

Business owners are also expected to provide a safe path from street parking areas to sidewalks.

Residents unable to clear sidewalks due to travel or health concerns are encouraged to arrange assistance in advance.

Officials are urging patience as crews work extended hours. The goal, borough leaders said, is simple but essential: keep Doylestown moving safely once the snow begins to fall.