snow removal

Snow Removal in Your Community Association

Posted by Krista K on with 0 Comment

Common Snow Removal Procedures in Community Associations

Snow Removal in the Delaware Valley this season has been minimal, however, this may not be the case for the remainder of the season. February has been known to be one of the snowiest of months in the region. We would like to offer suggestions for residents and Board Members for common snow removal procedures within Community Associations.

PLEASE NOTE: All Associations handle snow differently and have different responsibilities for snow removal, these are just a few common ways that Associations handle snow removal.

SUGGESTIONS:

    • Please be patient, as we know not everyone can be first. Many Associations will request that the contractor begins clearing walkways and driveways at different locations within the Community each storm. This way everyone has a chance to be at the beginning and end of the clearing pattern.
    • Other than the clearing and salting of roadways, it is common for all remaining snow removal procedures to begin after the storm has ended.
      • Most Communities do not provide snow removal services when there is less than 2″ of accumulation. It is always recommended to have a personal supply of ice melt product and shovel handy for your personal use in the event that the snow accumulation is less than 2″ and your Association does not provide driveway and walkway removal services during that storm.
      • The order of priority is many times as follows:
        • main roadways
        • individual driveways/walkways
        • common sidewalks
        • parking lots
        • clubhouse and mailbox access areas
      • If possible, park your vehicle off of the street in your driveway (or garage) during and immediately following the storm.
      • In Communities where most cars are parked in common lots or on the street, keep track of plowing operations and as areas are cleared move your vehicle into the cleared spot to allow more areas to be cleared. Vehicles left sitting on the street and within parking lots during and after storms have a possibility of being “plowed in.” Additionally, areas which are tight without much clearance may remain un-plowed if the vehicles are not moved in an effort to avoid damage to the vehicles.
      • Please refrain from clearing snow off of cars which are parked on previously plowed streets. This habit makes the roads icy and costs the Association more to re-clear already plowed roadways. This also pertains to shoveling snow onto previously cleared sidewalks.
      • It is important to remove all landscaping lighting which lines walkways/driveways, door mats, planters, benches, to assist with minimizing damage to items which may not be visible when covered with a significant accumulation of snow. The contractors typically will not cover damages to items they cannot see when snow is on top of them.
      • Try to leave all exterior lights on, this will help crews to see during snow removal operations which occur during evening hours.
      • Most Associations have the snow contractor return the following day after most folks are at work or school to clear the remaining parking areas when there are fewer vehicles “to work around.”
      • Lastly, please be patient (as stated in the first bullet point above), snow removal is difficult, time consuming and inconvenient for all. If we all work together and cooperate the inconvenience of snow removal can be minimized as best as possible.

PENCO Management has the expertise to deal with various issues that your Homeowners or Condominium Association may encounter on a daily basis. Our company provides Property Management services to New Castle, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Berks, Bucks, and Lancaster Counties. Our management team would be happy to schedule a meeting with your Board of Directors to discuss your Communities’ needs, as well as answer these very important questions regarding PENCO’s services.

snow removal procedures

Snow Removal Procedures in Associations

Posted by Krista K on with 2 Comments

 

Assisting with Snow Removal Procedures in Your Community Association?

The winter months can bring much joy for Community Association residents with
the holidays approaching and families getting together.  If past winters are any indication, and with the colder
weather quickly approaching, many Community Associations in the Northeastern U.S. will also experience
significant snowfall.  The snow removal procedures below will help to expedite the snow removal process in your Community.

In order to prepare for these inclement weather events, homeowners should be aware of the snow removal procedures for their specific Community Association.  By having
some general knowledge of these snow removal procedures, Community Association residents can
help to facilitate the timely removal of snow and ice from the streets and sidewalks of their Community.

Here are some general reminders that you should keep in mind regarding snow
removal procedures for your Community Association:

  • Snow removal contracts normally require the snow removal contractor to begin plowing the community streets once two inches of snow has fallen.  Vehicles parked on the street will only impede efforts for snow plow trucks and other equipment to complete their tasks. Please make sure that your vehicles are moved from the streets prior to the beginning of snowfall.
  • Individual sidewalks & driveways (where applicable), mailbox pads, and dumpster bays are normally cleared of snow once the snow has ended so that the contractor is not clearing the same areas twice and can also focus on keeping the streets open to the Community.
  • Parking areas and spaces create the greatest challenge for snow removal in Community Associations.  The snow removal work can only be completed after vehicles have been moved from these areas and the snowfall has ended.  It is important  to be aware once these efforts have begun in order to move your vehicle to help speed the clearance of your parking space, as well as others.
  • Do not push snow off vehicles into the previously cleared driveways, parking spaces, or roadways, without shoveling the snow onto uncleared areas.  It is important to remember that leaving this snow on cleared areas creates hazardous conditions for yourself & others within the Community Association.  In addition,  re-plowing or shoveling the previously cleared areas is inefficient, time consuming, and expensive for the Community.
  • Should you have medical conditions (visiting nurses, planned supply deliveries,etc.) or priority employment (doctor, nurse, or emergency personnel, etc.) concerns, it is important to make certain to let your property manager know before the storm arrives.  The property manager may be able to put you on a priority list for snow removal services to your home.

Please contact your property manager first if you have a request or concern regarding snow removal in your Community Association.  Your issue should then be able to be addressed in a timely manner without the snow removal contractor being diverted from their duties.

PENCO Management, Inc. can help you manage your snow removal operations in your Community Association, in addition to the other property maintenance, administrative, and financial services it provides for over 60 communities in the greater Delaware Valley including Bucks, Montgomery, and New Castle Counties.

Submitted by: M. Chupalio