 Snow Berm Reduction Program Applications Available for Qualified Residents with Disabilities
The application period is currently open for the Berm Reduction Program, which serves as a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. The program's goal is to reduce snow berms across driveways of qualified people with disabilities in the City of Walla Walla who have physical challenges that make it difficult for them to clear the berm for access to and from their residence.
Roadway snow plowing typically leaves a “berm” or row of snow at the end of the plow after it passes by. As berms in front of driveways thaw and refreeze, they can be difficult to remove and/or drive over.
As the City’s snowplow passes by a qualified resident’s driveway, the plow operator will reduce speed and turn the plow blade to capture the snow that otherwise would have formed the berm. As the plow continues past the driveway, the plow blade will be turned to disperse the captured snow downstream of the qualified person’s driveway.
To qualify/request this service, a resident must complete the City’s standard Persons with Disabilities Berm Reduction Request Form; provide a copy of their temporary or permanent State of Washington Department of Licensing, Individual with Disabilities Parking Privilege card; and provide proof that the person lives at the property where the service is requested.
The request form is available both as a downloadable PDF and as an online submission form at the link below, where you can also find additional program details.
Hard copies of the request form, in English and Spanish, will be available for pickup beginning Sept. 5, 2025, at:
- City of Walla Walla Service Center, 55 E. Moore St.
- Walla Walla Public Library, 238 E. Alder St.
- Walla Walla City Hall, 15 N. 3rd Ave.
- Walla Walla Senior Center, 720 Sprague St.
- Blue Mountain Action Council, 8 E. Cherry St.
- Lillie Rice Center, 2616 E. Isaacs Ave.
- Norco, 1439 The Dalles Military Road
- Valley Residential Services, 240 Bush St.
The form and materials must be submitted to the City before Oct. 1 each year to allow sufficient time for staff to create a list of qualified service locations.
For reasons of efficiency and effectiveness, the berm reduction service is offered only to qualified applicants with disabilities. The highest priority purpose for snow plowing is to maintain access for emergency vehicles throughout the city’s roadway system. Preventing berms in front of all of Walla Walla’s 8,500 driveways would be prohibitively time-consuming and expensive, and would negatively impact the City’s ability to plow roadways in a reasonable amount of time. If other residents need assistance, the City maintains a list of individuals and agencies that can assist those who are unable to remove snow from their property.
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