FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: I live on a road with a County Road number. Why doesn't my road get plowed?

A: All Summit County roads are assigned a Summit County road number to assist Emergency Services in locating a specific address. Roads that have a county road number may or may not be maintained by the county.

Q: How do I find out if my road is maintained, or not?

A: To find out if your road receives county maintenance, click here, or contact the Summit County Road and Bridge Department at 970.668.3590 or 970.668.4231 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Q: I pay my taxes, why isn't my road being maintained?

A: The short answer is, because it hasn't been accepted for County Maintenance. If you would like to have your road maintained by the County, you must submit your request to the Road and Bridge Director and the County Engineer. For a complete description of the process, see Section 5500, of the Road and Bridge Standards.

Q: I would like to make improvements to my driveway. Do I need a permit?

A: Depending on the improvements you are making, yes. If you want simply want to pave your gravel driveway, you do not need a permit, however there are specifice regulations pertaining to how your driveway ties into the County Road. If you are replacing a culvert you will need a permit. Please contact the Road Inspector, at (970) 668-4199, for specific permit or construction requirements, prior to beginning the work.

Q: Why can't I park my car on the County Road?

A: Parking on County roads is illegal in Summit County and it is the responsibility of every property owner to provide adequate off right-of-way (ROW) parking. On-road parking presents particular difficulties during snow removal season and the Sheriff Department may order illegally parked vehicles to be towed. In addition, a plow operator may, at his discretion, decline to plow all or portions of a road if one or more vehicles are parked as to impede snow removal operations.

Q: Why does the snowplow operator plow a ridge of snow into the opening of my driveway?

A: We regret that snow must be pushed off the road into driveways, but there is no other choice. Lifting the plow blade at every driveway entrance would create a ridge of snow in the road, and would lengthen plowing time considerably.

Q: Why can't I take the snow from my driveway and push it out into the road for the snowplow to pick up?

A: When clearing your driveway, either yourself or with the aid of a private contractor, be aware that it is unlawful to push or throw snow onto or across the roadway. Your snow must be disposed of on your own property. Snow pushed onto the road not only makes plowing more difficult for road crews, but can cause a dangerous obstacle in the roadway or a nuisance to your neighbors.

Q: I live a Subdivision. Why doesn't my street get plowed right away after a snowstorm?

A: Arterial roads, such as the Dillon Dam Road, Swan Mountain Road and school bus routes, receive priority maintenance. Secondary priority is given to collector roads through subdivisions, followed by other lower volume roads.