Pushing Snow, Raking Out Leaves and Blowing Grass Clippings to the Street is Illegal.

Leaves and grass clippings left in the street can be washed to nearby storm drains where they can contribute to both localized flooding, and degradation of local water quality.  

Raking out leaves and blowing grass clippings into the street is considered a violation of the "Clean Water Act" and City Code, Chapter 8.14.400. 

While Public Works does provide street sweeping to remove natural accumulations of leaves from our streets, the service does not provide for the removal of grass clippings or placed masses of leaves raked to the street.  Clippings and placed masses of leaves can easily be distinguished from natural accumulations and can lead to fines ranging from $100 to $250.

The City offers several convenient alternatives to dispose of grass clippings, leaves and other yard wastes, including "No Sticker Yard Waste Weeks" in the spring and fall to encourage residents to properly dispose of yard wastes.

To report a rake-out or grass clippings in the street, call Public Works at 563.326.7923 or submit a request for service electronically.