About Alleys in Saint Paul

Saint Paul has approximately 2,225 alleys - roughly 330 miles. Alleys were never engineered by the city and come in many different configurations, including dead-end alleys. Alleys are made with different materials throughout the city and designated as either paved, oiled, unimproved assessed (alleys with a gravel surface that Public Works maintains), or unimproved not assessed (alleys can be gravel, dirt, or ungraded that Public Works does not maintain).

Both state law and city ordinance define an alley as a "public way that does not exceed 30-feet in width."

What is an Alley Captain?

Historically, the City of Saint Paul has never plowed, salted, or sanded alleys in winter. Residents must determine how and when to plow their alleys. Many residents in Saint Paul informally work with their neighbors to hire private contractors to plow their alleys. Plowing, pushing, or shoveling snow into the streets from alleys, driveways, parking lots, or sidewalks is not allowed.

The person who coordinates the alley plowing and collects payment from the adjacent property owners is often called an "Alley Plow Captain or Alley Plowing Coordinator." Not all alleys have a designated alley captain.

Please note that city staff do not know which alleys may or may not have a designated alley captain. It is best to check with your neighbors to see how alley plowing efforts are coordinated in your area.

Alley Captain Information

Alley FAQs

2019 Alley Plowing Study

The City Council requested that Public Works conduct a study to better understand current alley plowing situations and examine potential options for city coordinated alley plowing. Saint Paul Public Works partnered with the University of Minnesota to study the costs and feasibility. More than 7,800 city residents participated in a survey, sharing their current arrangements, perceptions and expectations of alley plowing in Saint Paul.

Historically, the City of Saint Paul has never plowed alleys in winter. Residents must determine how and when to plow their alleys. Many residents in Saint Paul work with their neighbors to hire private contractors to plow their alleys.

Study Documents

Last Edited: November 3, 2023