Winter Weather In Oxford

The City of Oxford passed Ordinance #3797, Section 521.06 - Duty to Keep Sidewalks in Repair and Clean. According to the ordinance, "Every owner or occupant of any building or lot fronting on any street, alley, or other public highway of the City shall clear the sidewalks in front of the building or lot of snow and ice within 24 hours of the day following any such deposits of 3 inches or more. Sidewalks need to be cleared to a four-foot-wide surface down to the concrete."

This ordinance also defines the target enforcement area as properties along designated emergency snow routes and U.S. Route 27.  Failure to comply with snow removal in this area may result in the City staff or contractor clearing the snow and/or ice. In such cases, the City's cost, plus a 40% administrative fee, will be billed to the property owner. If not paid, this amount will be added to the owner's property tax bill. Violation of this ordinance constitutes a minor misdemeanor.

Please note that property owners are not permitted to shovel or plow snow into the street, as this can create hazardous conditions. When clearing the end of a driveway, place snow piles away from the traffic flow, along the edge of the driveway, and off the street. When the plow returns to plow the snow back to the curb, there will be a reduced chance for the snow to be pushed back into the driveway. 

Stay informed when conditions change:

  • Nixle Alerts (texts & email): Get snow emergency notices, hazardous weather, road closures, and safety updates. Sign up for Nixle Alerts
  • Outdoor Warning Sirens: Located across the city to warn of severe weather. 
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  • Snow routes in Oxford are marked with red, blue & white signs. View the Designated Snow Routes Map.
  • No parking on a snow route during any level of snow emergency and/or whenever 3 inches or more of snow/ice has accumulated on the roadway. Vehicles may be ticketed and towed/impounded at the owner's expense.
  • When crews have plowed and accumulation drops below 3 inches, parking may resume unless a snow emergency is still in effect. However, motorists are cautioned that during a major snow event, it doesn’t take long for 3 inches to accumulate on a previously plowed snow route. As soon as that threshold is met, vehicles are subject to towing and impoundment.
  • Once the snow emergency is cancelled and snow accumulation is less than 3 inches, parking is permissible.
  • For students: During declared snow emergencies, Miami University typically opens West Millett and Ditmer lots for temporarily displaced vehicles. 
  • When in doubt, err on the side of caution – park somewhere else so that street crews can clear the major thoroughfares.

Level 1: Roadways are hazardous; expect blowing/drifting snow, as well as possible ice. Drive cautiously.

Level 2: Roadways are hazardous; only travel if necessary. Check with your employer to confirm your reporting requirements for work.

Level 3: Roads closed to nonemergency traffic. Do not travel. Violations may result in citation and vehicles towed/impounded.

Our Streets & Maintenance Division follows a proven plan to keep roads as safe as possible:

  1. Pre-Treatment: Up to 72 hours ahead of forecasted winter weather, crews may apply salt brine on primary streets to prevent bonding and start melting as snow begins.
  2. Initial Treatment: At the onset of a storm, operators apply a light round of treatment citywide to slow accumulation and reduce bond to pavement. 
  3. Plowing: As snow accumulates beyond what treatment can handle, five additional snowplow trucks begin plowing, prioritizing state highways, hills, and primary streets.
  4. Secondary Streets: When main routes are under control or the storm subsides, crews split into smaller groups to plow secondary streets.
  5. Overnight Readiness: The Oxford Police Division (24/7) monitors conditions and notifies Streets & Maintenance to mobilize crews outside normal hours. 
  • Clear your sidewalk: Remove snow/ice (don't shovel or plow snow into the street).
  • Move cars off the street when possible before a storm , to help plows reach the curb line. 
  • Clear driveway ends: Pile snow along the edge of your driveway and off the street to reduce re-plowing into the drive. 
  • Use sidewalk-safe ice melt on concrete.
  • Share the shovels: Check on neighbors; consider hiring local help if you can't shovel. 
  • Give plows space: Don't pass treatment trucks.

Questions about snow emergencies, routes, or towing: Oxford Police Division at 513-524-5240

Questions about road treatment and plowing: Service Department - Streets & Maintenance Division at 513-524-5206

Questions about sidewalk enforcement: City Manager's Office at 513-524-5201