Washington, D.C.

https://ddot.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/ddot/page_content/attachments/Sidewalk%20Snow
%20Clearing%20Responsibilities%20-%20Residents%20and%20Private%20Property%20Owners.pdf

Who is responsible for clearing sidewalks?

District law requires property owners to clear snow and ice from
sidewalks, handicap ramps and steps abutting their property within the
first 8 daylight hours after snow, sleet or ice stop falling. (DC Code,
2001 Ed, 9-601.)

This applies to all property owners residential, commercial, federal,

and municipal. If ice cannot be cleared without damaging the
sidewalk, then property owners may spread sand or salt to make the
sidewalks safe. (DC Code, 2001 Ed, 9-604.)
Property owners must also clear snow from the ADA-curb ramps. These are part of the sidewalk.
Property owners are also asked to clear
snow from catch basins and storm drains to prevent flooding during snow melt.

If you rent a single family home or your lease states that you, not your
Landlord are responsible for clearing the snow, then you can be cited
as well. Be sure to call your landlord or review your lease terms if you
are not sure.

Is there a fine for not clearing the sidewalk?

Yes. According to DC municipal Code, if property owners fail to comply, and if the District must clear
their sidewalk (DC Code, 2001 Ed., 9605) the property owners will be sued for the cost of clearing
the snow or ice plus a $25 fine (DC Code, 2001 Ed., 9-606)

Information courtesy of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT)

MARYLAND
COLLEGE PARK:
http://www.collegeparkmd.gov/government/public_works/snow_and_ice_removal.php

Residents are responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks along their property. Residents are
also asked to work together to clear storm drains and make fire hydrants accessible to emergency
crews.

ROCKVILLE
http://www.rockvillemd.gov/index.aspx?nid=1111

Snow removal on sidewalks

Sidewalks, driveways and entrances are the responsibility of the adjacent property owner, occupant,
community association or business snow removal. Snow and ice must be cleared from all paved
sidewalks near your property within 24-72 hours of the end of the snowfall, depending on the
snowfall, depending on the snowfall totals (up to three inches equals 24 hours; three to nine inches
equals 48 hours; 10 inches of more equals 72 hours)

PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY

http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/2640/Sidewalk-Snow-and-Ice-Removal-Enforcemen

The obligation for clearing snow and ice accumulation from walkways near commercial and residential
properties in Prince Georges County is based on the Abutter's Ordinance, Section 23-150 (PDF) of the
County Road Ordinance which sets out the requirements for the timely removal of snow and ice from
paved sidewalks throughout the County.

This section of the Road Ordinance applies to owners, tenants and managers of commercial and
residential properties which have paved sidewalks that are adjacent to their property, accessible to the
public, and in close proximity to a public roadway

Responsible parties have to remove accumulated snow and ice from sidewalks within 48 hours after
snow has fallen or ice has accumulated to a depth of at least 2 inches as a result of inclement weather or
runoff from abutting surfaces.

Those responsible persons failing to clear their abutting sidewalks within 24 hours will be issued a
Reminder Notice/Door Hanger by a DPIE inspector. If the responsible person fails to clear his/her
sidewalk within 24 hours of being issued a Reminder Notice (or 48 hours from the end of the snow
event), that person shall be issued a citation for a fine of $100. Another citation will be issued for each
subsequent 24-hour period that the snow and ice accumulation continues to obstruct the sidewalk.

Montgomery County
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/safesidewalks/

County residents are required by law to clear sidewalks in front of and alongside their properties within
24 hours of the end of a snowstorm.

When shoveling keep snow clear of fire hydrants

Frederick County
https://www.cityoffrederick.com/954/Shoveling-Your-Sidewalk
Within twelve (12) hours after snow stops falling, a person owning or occupying a lot or part
of a lot abutting a city sidewalk shall remove the snow and ice from the abutting sidewalk
for a width of four (4) feet, or the width of the sidewalk, whichever is less.
(b) Notice of violation. If the owner or occupant fails to remove the snow and ice as required
by this section, the code official shall post a notice of violation in a conspicuous place on the
property notifying the property owner or occupant to remove the snow and ice as required by
this section.
 (c) Municipal infraction. If the property owner or occupant fails to comply with the notice of
violation within twenty-four (24) hours after its posting, the code official may issue a
citation for a municipal infraction. The penalty for violation is a fine not exceeding one
hundred dollars ($100.00).

Howard County
https://www.howardcountymd.gov/Departments/Public-Works/Bureau-Of-
Highways/Snow-Removal
The owner of property abutting a sidewalk in a public right-of-way is responsible for removing snow
from the sidewalk within 48 hours after the snow has fallen. In the event of a multi-unit building with
more than one occupant, it shall be the duty of the lessor to remove the snow unless the lessor has
obligated a tenant who is actually occupying the property to do so.

Charles County
https://www.charlescountymd.gov/pw/roads/snow-removal-when-it-snows
Clearing driveways and entrances is the responsibility of the property owner. All residential and business
owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks on their own property.

Northern Virginia
Arlington County:
https://emergency.arlingtonva.us/weather/snow-ice/snow-removal-ordinance/

Ordinance Specifics for Residents and Business Owners

Snow and ice removal All property owners are required to remove snow and ice from public sidewalks adjacent
to their property:
o Must be removed from the entire width of the sidewalk up to 3 feet wide (to accommodate wheelchairs, strollers,
and adults with children in hand).
o Must be removed within 24 hours after the snow stops falling when accumulations are less than 6 inches,
and within 36 hours when 6 or more inches of snow accumulate (as measured at National Airport, per National
Weather Service). If another snow event occurs, the clock will reset to the end of the most recent snowfall. We will
post the official snow ending time on this webpage.
o Noncompliance could result in a civil penalty of $50 for sidewalks less than 200 linear feet in length, or $100 for
sidewalks longer than 200 feet.
o The County may remove the snow or ice on sidewalks around private property when the owner fails to
comply within the designated time period, and charge the cost to the owner.
Depositing snow and ice on streets or sidewalks: Private owners may not deposit snow or ice from private
property onto public property, including streets & sidewalks. Such action may result in a class 4 (criminal)
misdemeanor and fine of $250.
The County is responsible for clearing sidewalks bordering County government-owned property. Read about
the Countys snowfighting efforts.
 Commercial property owners are expected to comply with the Ordinance. Snow clearing should be part of basic
business operating plans.

Fairfax County:
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/shovel/responsible-for-snow.htm

Who Does What

Homeowners, associations and businesses are responsible for private streets and sidewalks.
The Virginia Department of Transportation is responsible for plowing public roads, but NOT for sidewalks.

If you live in an apartment or condo, check with your management company for responsibilities and expectations.

7 Places to Shovel
1. The sidewalk in front of your home.
2. The sidewalk in front of vacant homes or homes where residents are unable to shovel.
3. Fire hydrants.
4. Bus stops.
5. Sidewalks/paths that lead to schools or community buildings where snow has been removed.
6. Bike trails.
7. Stormdrains.

Loudoun County:
https://www.loudoun.gov/index.aspx?NID=3717

Shoveling Snow and Clearing Hydrants

Shovel your sidewalks: Be a good neighbor and clear the sidewalk in front of and alongside your home
following the end of the snowstorm. Chapter 1022.01 of the Loudoun County Codified
Ordinances requires snow removal on sidewalks on properties that are adjacent to public streets.

Clear snow from decks: Snow is heavy and can put a great deal of strain on decks. If you can safely
shovel the snow from your deck, do so.

Clear fire hydrants: Firefighters need to be able to quickly locate fire hydrants, or lives and property
could be lost. Adopt a fire hydrant near your home and clear a three-foot radius around hydrants.

Emergency exits: Businesses should take steps to clear the snow from emergency exits.

Clear storm drains:After a large snow, as the temperatures increase, the potential for flooding exists.
Make sure that the snow is cleared from storm drains to prevent pooling and flooding that may result from
melting snow.

Be safe: Avoid injury and over exertion by pacing yourself and taking frequent breaks to rest, gently
 stretch your back, arms and legs. Be careful when shoveling snow, clearing ice, pushing a car, or similar
activities.

Prince William County

http://www.pwcgov.org/news/pages/anticipated-winter-snow-fall-opens-removal-questions.aspx

While there is no legal requirement in Prince William County to do so, residents and
businesses are encouraged to remove snow from sidewalks, if they are able. We ask that
people clear snow from their sidewalks so that there is a safe place for people to walk.
Otherwise, children and other pedestrians end up walking in the street, which is not a safe
alternative, said Prince William County spokeswoman Nikki Brown.

Falls Church City

http://www.fallschurchva.gov/199/Snow-Removal-Policies

Residential Policy
Per City Code, residents must remove snow and ice from sidewalks surrounding the property 12 hours after
snowfall. If the snow falls at night, residents have 12 hours after sunrise to remove it. Snow / ice must not be
placed on city streets.

Residential Fines
Fines are within a 5-year period:

o 1st Offense - $100

o 2nd Offense - $200
o 3rd Offense - $500

Fairfax City
file:///C:/Users/kmann/Downloads/City%20Snow%20and%20Ice%20Control%20Brochure.PDF

Snow Removal Responsibilities of Residents. Property owners must clean snow from their driveways
and sidewalks. Snow should be piled to the right-hand side of the driveway (facing the street). Though
plow drivers may accidentally push snow in driveways, time restraints prevent them from removing it.
Pushing snow back in the street is illegal and is punishable with a fine.

Fredericksburg City
http://www.fredericksburgva.gov/index.aspx?NID=730

Sidewalks
Residents and business owners are required to clear snow/ice from public sidewalks adjacent to their
property. Anyone with brick sidewalks adjacent to their property should avoid using salt (Sodium Chloride)
on snow/ice. Salt will damage brick sidewalks and also cause staining of the red bricks. Please use sand
or Magnesium Chloride.
When clearing sidewalks and driveways, please do not throw snow into public streets or alleys. Snow
should be thrown into yards or piled around the base of trees where possible. Depositing snow on
roadways is a safety hazard and is not permitted.

When shoveling driveways, piling snow to the right of your driveway when facing the street will help
prevent snow plows from re-depositing the snow across the entrance to your driveway as it passes by.

In periods of snowy/icy weather, please be aware our crews may not be able to collect trash/recycling
from an area other than the curb...particularly if the pathways to the trash location are not clear of
snow/ice. The purpose of this policy is to prevent injury to City crews and protect property owners from
potential liability associated with an employee falling or otherwise being injured on private property.

Alexandria City
https://www.alexandriava.gov/special/weather/snow/default.aspx?id=40386

City Code Section 5-2-21 states that sidewalks, driveways, and entrances are the responsibility of the
adjacent property owner, occupant, community association, or business for snow removal. Snow and ice
must be cleared from all paved sidewalks abutting your property within 24-72 hours of the end of the
snowfall, depending on the storm response level (Level 1 =24 hours; Level 2 = 48 hours; Level 3= 72
hours).

Manassas City
http://www.manassascity.org/2164/Snow-and-the-Law

Sec. 102-7. - Removal of snow and ice from sidewalks

It shall be the duty of the occupant of any property which has a sidewalk of brick, wood or
concrete abutting on such property to have all snow removed from such sidewalk within 12
hours after it has ceased falling; provided that, if snow falls during the night, it shall be removed
by 5:00 p.m. on the following day. The same requirements shall exist with respect to ice or sleet
on sidewalks, except that ice and sleet, if it cannot be removed without injury to the sidewalk,
shall be covered, within the time required in this section, with sawdust, ashes or other material
which will render the sidewalk safe for travel. When there is no occupant of such property, it
shall be the duty of the owner thereof to have snow, ice and sleet removed or covered as
provided in this section. If after such reasonable notice as the city may prescribe the owner or
occupant of the property affected by the provisions of this section shall fail to abate or obviate
the condition, the director of public works may do so and charge and collect the cost thereof
from the owner or occupant of the property affected in any manner provided by law for the
collection of Commonwealth or local taxes. (Code 1978, 28-32) State Law reference
Removal of snow and other nuisances, Code of Virginia, 15.2-1115.