The Ankeny Brief
When it snows in Ankeny, a snow ordinance can be declared, and that changes where you're allowed to park so the plows can do their job. Here's the plain version: when it kicks in, where to move your car, the sidewalk rule a lot of people forget, and what it costs if you get it wrong.
When Ankeny declares a snow ordinance, you must move all vehicles off public streets, roads, and alleys so plows can clear them. In The District at Prairie Trail and the Uptown business district, on-street parking is banned 2 to 6 a.m. during an ordinance. A car left on the street can be ticketed $40 and towed. Separately, property owners must clear their sidewalks within 24 hours after snow stops.
Leaving a vehicle on the street during a snow ordinance can get you a $40 ticket, and the car may be towed to clear the way for plows. If your vehicle has been towed, the Ankeny Police Department (515-289-5240) can help you locate it. The cost and hassle of a tow are a lot more than the ticket, so it pays to move the car early.
As a property owner, you are responsible for clearing snow from the sidewalks on or next to your property, within 24 hours after the snow stops falling: the rule that surprises new residents. It applies to homeowners and businesses alike, and the city can issue fines for sidewalks left uncleared. If you travel in winter, line up someone to shovel while you're away.
The city announces when a snow ordinance is in effect, so watch the City of Ankeny channels and local news, which keep running lists of metro snow ordinances during storms. The city can declare one for snow, sleet, freezing rain, or blowing snow. We also flag it in the weekly Ankeny Brief when a big storm is coming. When in doubt during a snow event, move the car off the street, it's the safe default.
For the fun side of winter, sledding, the ice rink, and warm indoor options, see our winter in Ankeny guide. For garbage pickup during winter holidays, see is trash delayed this week.
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It means you must move all vehicles off public streets, roads, and alleys so plows can clear them. In The District and Uptown, on-street parking is banned 2 to 6 a.m. Cars left out can be ticketed and towed.
Off the street, in a driveway, lot, or legal off-street spot, until the ordinance is lifted and your street is plowed.
You can get a $40 ticket and your car may be towed. If it's towed, call Ankeny Police at 515-289-5240 to find it.
Yes. You must clear sidewalks on or next to your property within 24 hours after snow stops. The city can fine you if you don't.