The time to sort out snow removal is before the first real storm, not during it. In Bozeman, two rules apply in town: the sidewalk in front of your property has to be cleared on a deadline, and the snow you clear can’t go wherever is convenient. Both are set by city code, not by whoever runs the plow. Here is what the City of Bozeman says, who plows which streets, and what to settle with your snow crew before the first storm.

The 24-Hour Sidewalk Rule

If your home or business borders a public sidewalk, clearing it is your job, not the city’s. For residential properties the city’s deadline is 24 hours after snowfall, under Bozeman Municipal Code Sec. 34.06.020.

The city’s snow page does not give a separate deadline for businesses. If you manage a commercial property, ask the city which timeframe applies to you rather than assuming it is the same.

Where Plowed Snow Can’t Go

The city restricts where snow and ice can be deposited, under Bozeman Municipal Code Sec. 34.06.030, and breaking that rule carries a fine. If you are not sure where cleared snow is allowed to go, read that section of the code or ask the city before the season starts.

That makes snow storage a decision to make before the first storm. Pick the spots on your own property while the ground is still bare and you can see what is underneath.

Who Plows the Street in Front of You

Not every street in Bozeman is the city’s to plow, and the right number to call depends on who maintains the road:

  • City streets: city plows clear the Snow Removal Routes first, which include arterial and collector streets. Issues go to the city Shop Complex at 406-582-3200.
  • State routes: N. 19th, N. 7th, parts of Main Street and Huffine Lane are maintained by the Montana Department of Transportation, 406-556-4700.
  • MSU campus streets: MSU Facilities, 406-994-2107.
  • Private roads and streets with blue signs: these are handled by an HOA or a private snow removal company. Contact your HOA.

Parking Around the Plows

The city asks residents to park off the street whenever possible and to move vehicles during snowfall so plows can get through. Cars parked near driveways and mailboxes get in the way of the graders. City graders use snow gates in front of driveways, mailboxes and intersections to keep snow out of those spots.

What to Settle With Your Snow Crew Before It Snows

Whether you hire LW Landworks or anyone else, these are the questions to answer before the first storm, not during it:

  1. Which surfaces are covered. Driveway only, or driveway, walks and parking area?
  2. Who handles the public sidewalk. If it borders your property, somebody has to clear it inside the city deadline. Make sure that somebody has a name.
  3. Where the piles go. Agree on the spots ahead of time, with the city’s rule on depositing snow in mind.
  4. Residential or commercial. A lot that customers or tenants use every morning needs a different plan than a home driveway.
  5. How you will reach them. Know who to call when a storm is coming, and put the number somewhere you will find it.

Snow Management From LW Landworks

LW Landworks provides snow management for residential and commercial properties: snow plowing, driveway snow removal, commercial snow management and property snow clearing. We work out of Bozeman and serve Bozeman, Three Forks, Big Sky, Livingston, Townsend and the other towns on our service areas page.

Getting started is the same as for any of our work. It begins with a phone conversation about your property, then a clear quote based on what you need.

Source for the City of Bozeman rules above: City of Bozeman, Snow Plowing, read October 30, 2026.