Montana Perspective: Be Happy When You See Snow Removal

Winter in Montana is a serious thing. When you get as much snow as we have so far this year, we all need to relax a little bit about what time your neighbors shovel or snow blow their property. It's important, but flexibility is needed.

Let's be thankful sidewalks get cleared in a timely manner, and keep in mind that so many of us don't work a typical 8am to 5pm job. Snow removal (no matter how you do it), is noisy. It's just how it is.

There has been so much complaining online about neighbors shoveling or snow blowing too early or too late in the day. Really? Perhaps those folks are working two jobs and have a small window of time to get it done.

They're doing it. Your neighbors care enough to address the snowfall and keep their part of the neighborhood safe. If they're making noise at 5:30am, that might just be the only time they have to do it. Resist the urge to give them a hard time about it.

Or maybe it's 9pm at night. Sure, that's later than most of us would prefer to hear a snow blower running, but if that's when they can do it - so be it. Winter is rough in Montana, and we can't request when snow storms start or stop.

Does Bozeman have a noise ordinance? Yes. The rules on loud noises were adjusted a few years back by the City of Bozeman to 7am to 8pm. Outside of those hours, you can technically be fined.

But the noise window was meant to apply mostly to construction noise and parties. Even the City code allows for some flexibility for basic City upkeep:

Certain short-term easing of noise restrictions is essential to allow the construction and maintenance of structures, infrastructure, and other elements necessary for the physical and commercial vitality of the city. 

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Let's save the phone calls to the police or the City for actual problems, eh? Someone getting their property cleaned up does not merit a complaint.

Now, let's talk about snow removal and the City of Bozeman plows. Want to know what their priorities are when it comes to the plowing? They operate on a 'priority street' basis. (As in, everyone needs to be able to reach the hospital and stuff.)

The yellow City plows prioritize Snow Removal Routes which include arterial streets, collector streets, and business areas within Bozeman city limits. (City of Bozeman)

You may notice that it does take longer these days to clear the City streets of snow, but that's because Bozeman has grown so quickly. There are simply more streets that need to be cleared.

GPS TRACK CITY OF BOZEMAN PLOW TRUCKS