Estherville IA, (northwestiowanow.com) — The Estherville City Council approved the first reading for parking during snow events and parking emergencies.

City Administrator Penny Clayton- says that the previous ordinance did not allow enough time for the Police Department to ticket and have vehicles illegally parked towed in time for the plows.

Estherville Police Chief, Brent Shatto says the new ordinance will give his officers more time.

City Code Enforcement Officer Greg van Langen is reminding residents that snow may not be pushed from private property onto streets or sidewalks and public rights of way. The only exception is the central business district.

Snow must be removed with the full width of public sidewalks random inspections will be made by city staff 24 hours after measurable snowfall ends if the property owner fails to remove the snow the city may perform snow removal and assess the cost against the property owner in the same way as a property tax pursuant.

Property owners must also provide a place to deposit the snow on their property if there isn’t space, they must have it hauled away.