Service Definition:
Driveway Service:
Snow removal is performed using tractors and professional snow blowers and includes mechanical snow blowing from the driveway to a permissible nearby area only. Snow stacking, hauling, sanding, salting, de-icing, and hand shoveling are not included unless specifically added. Specialized Property Care does not guarantee snow will be removed down to bare concrete, as packed snow, ice bonding, and surface conditions may prevent complete removal.
Sidewalk Service:
Includes shoveling and/or snow blowing from designated front sidewalks, steps, and the primary entrance only. This service does not include roof slide-off accumulation, drifting after service, ice from freezing rain, sleet, or compaction, or large porches, decks, or secondary entrances unless specifically noted. Specialized Property Care does not guarantee sidewalks will be cleared to bare concrete due to packed snow, ice bonding, and surface conditions. Sidewalk service is performed after the snowfall ends and may take up to 24 hours to complete.
Ice-melt Service:
Ice-melt is available by pre-registration only and is not automatically included with snow removal. Pricing listed applies to single-family residential properties only. Internal lots are $30 per visit and corner lots are $40 per visit. Ice-melt is applied during sidewalk service only.
HOA and commercial properties are serviced under separate, property-specific contracts and pricing.
Service Trigger & Depth Measurement:
Standard residential service is triggered at 1 inch of snowfall or greater, based on reporting from the National Weather Service – Sioux Falls. Snow accumulation may vary by location and is not measured individually at each property.
Clients may opt into a No Tolerance service level, which authorizes service for any measurable snowfall under 1 inch. All No Tolerance visits are billed per occurrence, regardless of payment plan.
No refunds, credits, or adjustments will be issued due to localized snowfall discrepancies or a client’s opinion of accumulation.
Service Timing & Extreme Weather
Specialized Property Care works diligently to clear properties as quickly as possible; however, service times are not guaranteed. Typical completion targets are within 8 hours of storm end for driveways and within 12 hours for sidewalks. During blizzards, multi-day storms, Winter Storm Warnings, Blizzard Warnings, or periods of extreme cold, service timing may be delayed and routes may be modified or temporarily suspended until conditions improve. All timing and routing decisions are made at our sole discretion for the safety of our crews and equipment. Service may be performed day or night at our discretion.
Snow Storage
Client authorizes SPC to store snow on the property in designated or reasonably available areas. If insufficient space exists, snow may be placed along driveway edges. Snow hauling is not included unless contracted separately.
Snow Markers
Specialized Property Care installs one snow marker per property at the street side of the driveway. This marker allows our crews to locate your property during nighttime operations and severe weather conditions. The marker must remain visible at all times for guaranteed service. If the marker is missing when crews arrive, service may be skipped and any requested return visit will be billable.
SPC is not responsible for underground sprinkler lines, irrigation components, or concealed objects, as these are not visible under snow or frozen ground. All snow markers remain the property of Specialized Property Care and will be collected by our team around April 15th. If a client removes or disposes of an SPC snow marker, a $30 replacement charge will be applied. Clients are responsible for their own personal markers; SPC is not liable for customer-supplied stakes.
Vehicles & Access
Vehicles left in the driveway or street may limit or prevent full clearing. Only accessible areas will be serviced, and operators will maintain approximately 2–3 feet of clearance from vehicles for safety. Street-parked vehicles may prevent full driveway clearing. Return trips required due to vehicle obstruction incur a $40 trip charge. Locked gates, blocked access, or other restricted areas that prevent service are still considered billable service events.
Movable Items & Obstructions
All personal items must be removed from all service areas prior to snowfall, including but not limited to garbage bins, toys, cords, hoses, lights, nets, pots, and seasonal décor. Once snow has fallen, these items are not visible to our operators. Specialized Property Care is not responsible for damage to any items left in service zones.
If an item becomes lodged in equipment due to client negligence and causes downtime, repairs, or labor delay, a service interruption fee of $250 per hour will apply. If an extension cord or Christmas lights become entangled in equipment, a $100 equipment clearing fee will be charged.
Basketball hoops over driveways must be raised to a minimum of 10 feet. Gutter extensions and raised utility caps must be removed or lowered before the season begins.
Skipping Policy (Per-Event Clients)
Once scheduled, your service position is reserved for the entire season and service cannot be skipped. If Specialized Property Care dispatches for a qualifying event and the client clears the snow themselves or believes there was not enough snowfall, the visit remains fully billable. All dispatched events are billable with no exceptions.
Billing & Payments
Per-Event services are automatically charged to the credit or debit card on file after each completed service visit. By enrolling, the client authorizes SPC to process all applicable charges.
Past-Due Accounts
If payment fails, service is suspended until the balance is paid in full. Accounts more than 30 days delinquent will incur a $750 cancellation fee, a $65 collection fee, and may be submitted to collections.
Cancellation Policy & Renewals
All Seasonal Prepay services are non-refundable and non-cancelable once accepted. Per-Event and Monthly clients who cancel service after acceptance are subject to a $750 non-negotiable cancellation fee. All snow services renew annually unless canceled in writing during the summer renewal period prior to the upcoming season.
Communication
Invoices and service updates are delivered via email and text message only. No USPS mail is used. Clients are responsible for maintaining current and accurate contact information at all times. Live service updates during snow events may also be posted on our Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/SpecializedPropertyCare
Liability & Surface Conditions
SPC will repair or replace property damaged due to proven direct negligence. SPC is not liable for scratches or damage on uneven, shifted, deteriorated, or pre-existing surfaces; minor scuffing or staining; ice formed from refreeze, meltwater, or compaction; city plow berms unless premium service is selected; or damages caused by acts of God, equipment failure, utility interruptions, or road closures. Client agrees to hold SPC harmless from all slip-and-fall claims unless caused by proven gross negligence.
Agreement Acknowledgment
By enrolling in service and/or submitting payment, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to these Snow Removal Terms of Service.