Get Smart About Salt
Winter salt helps keep us safe, but it also causes damage to our footwear, cars, buildings, plants, wildlife and water.
We can all play a part in getting smart about salt.
1. Shovel the snow. Save the salt for ice.
2. Prevent ice patches:
• Ensure eaves don’t drip or drain onto walkways and driveways.
• Store snow so the melt water won’t go on paved areas.
3. Treat ice patches:
• Create traction with kitty litter or sand.
• Remove ice with a steel ice chopper.
• Melt ice with salt applied according to package instructions and give salt time to do its work.
If you hire a contractor or your property is non-residential, visit smartaboutsalt.com to learn about our Smart About Salt Certification programs.

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Township Road Information:

Township roads generally have a 66’ right-of-way (33’ from the centerline of the road). The right-of-way is used
during plowing activities and for snow storage.
The Town Road Committee and contracted plowing companies make every effort to provide a high level of service
when it comes to snowplowing.

Parking
Residents are reminded that it is a violation of Town Ordinance #7 to park on or along any Town Road after a
snowfall. Parking on the street or in the right of way is prohibited for the purpose of snow removal. Any vehicle
owner in violation of this ordinance is subject to misdemeanor charges and fines.
Lawn Irrigation System Damage
The Town will not be responsible for damage to any underground lawn sprinklers that are located in the town
road right-of-way Homeowners are responsible for their irrigation systems and should consider relocating the
irrigation heads within their property lines.

Snow sticks
The Town understands property owner’s desire to place fiberglass snow sticks/markers at the edge of their
property. However, sometimes these sticks are installed beyond property lines and into the public right of way.
The right-of-way is used for snow clearing and storage. The Town is not responsible for any damage to snow
sticks/markers which are placed within township right-of-ways. Additionally, if snow sticks/markers located in a
township road right-of-way cause damage to plows or other public or private property, the homeowner is
responsible for the costs to repair such damage.

Garbage Carts
Garbage trucks can reach up to 6 feet to pick up carts, so place your garbage cart inside your driveway,
beyond the normal plow line. Do Not Place Garbage Containers on the Public Roadway. Containers must be
placed at the driveway entrance.

According to the Township’s Snow and Ice Control Policy:
• Snowplowing will generally be done when there is an accumulation of two inches or more.
• Ice control (sanding) will take place when travel is seriously affected using normal winter driving care.
Because of environmental concerns, chemical use on roads will be limited to preventing dangerous driving
conditions.
• Snowplowing and ice control operations will cease if severe wind or cold endangers the maintenance
personnel.
• Plowing and sanding are scheduled to have roads in the best travel condition during heavy use periods.
• Roads are classified as to function and use---collector streets (to county roads and state highways) will be
plowed first; residential streets are second priority, and cul de sacs will be plowed last.
• It is against the law for private snowplows to move snow across, or deposit snow on public roads. The
placing of snow and ice would be considered a problem if it were deemed a safety hazard on the traveled
right of way and could cause property damage and/or visibility problems. If the Town must remove snow
placed in roads, it will assess the cost to the property owner. (MN § 160.27 Sub. 5 and MN § 169.42).
• Mailbox damage – the Township will consider mailbox claims only if the snowplowing equipment
physically hits the mailbox or post and only if the box conformed to the Town of Big Lake Mailbox
Post Installation Ordinance 1150. Claims must be filed within 24 hours of the incident. If you live
on a township road, call the Town Clerk at 763-263-8111 or contact the office by emailing
[email protected].

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Residential Driveway and Culvert Requirements

Commercial Driveway and Culvert Requirements

Second Driveway Requests - onto Big Lake Township Roads only

1) Mark with flags where the proposed driveway will be located on the property.

2) Contact the Clerk's Office for an approval inspection. Email Clerk's Office or call (763) 263-8111.

3) After inspection you will be notified of approval, requested adjustments and/or if a culvert is required.

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Map of Big Lake Township Roads

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Sherburne County Road Complaint:  https://gis.co.sherburne.mn.us/pwreport-a-concern/

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