Snow Removal Laws in Maryland, Virginia, and DC
Laws within different jurisdictions in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC mandate the shoveling and removal of snow from public areas and sidewalks adjacent to and on an owner’s/operator’s property. Different jurisdictions throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC mandate various requirements for residential and commercial property owners to shovel snow or remove snow from their sidewalks and other pedestrian access areas. In the wake recent snow throughout the area, we have compiled is a list of some of the local snow shoveling laws and snow removal laws for residents throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC. It is also important to note that community associations as well as local businesses are also required to remove snow from public walkways, sidewalks, and disability access areas.
Maryland Snow Removal Laws
Montgomery County residents and business owners have 24 hours to remove snow from the sidewalks along properties. $100 fines can be issued. In addition, many Montgomery County local municipalities (including Silver Spring, Barnesville, Brookville, Chevy Chase Section 5, the village of Chevy Chase and Poolesville) follow these Montgomery County rules.
Rockville City residents and business owners have 24 to 72 hours to remove snow from public sidewalks. Citations can be issued. The scale for Rockville snow removal timing is as follows: 0-3 in: 24 hours / 3 to 9 in.: 48 hours / > 10 in.: 72 hours.
Gaithersburg City residents and business owners have 12 hours to remove snow from public sidewalks. Citations can be issued.
Takoma Park City residents have until noon after a night of snowfall, and until 9:00 PM after a day of snowfall, to remove snow and ice from their sidewalks. Takoma Park City businesses are required to keep their sidewalks clear between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Monetary penalties can be issued.
Prince George’s County residents and business owners have 48 hours to remove snow from the sidewalks along properties. $100 fines can be issued.
Howard County residents and business owners have 48 hours to remove snow from public sidewalks. Citations can be issued.
Frederick City residents and business owners have 12 hours to remove snow from public sidewalks. Citations can be issued.
Baltimore City residents and business owners have 24 to 48 hours to remove snow from public sidewalks. $50 fines can be issued for residents and $100 fines can be issues for business owners.
Baltimore County residents and business owners have 24 hours to remove snow from public sidewalks. $25 fines can be issued.
Washington D.C. Snow Removal Laws
Washington DC residents and business owners have 8 daylight hours to remove snow from public sidewalks and handicap ramps. Fines of $25 can be issued in addition to any the amount of money that the city must spend to clear the sidewalk. Specifically, in Washington DC, residential property owners can be issued a $25 fine for not removing snow “within 24 hours after the snow or other precipitation has ceased to fall.” In Washington DC, commercial property owners face a fine of $150 for failure to remove snow from public sidewalks and handicap ramps.
Virginia Snow Removal Laws
Arlington County residents and business owners have 24 to 36 hours to remove snow from public sidewalks. Fines of $50 and $100 can be issued. Note: 0-6 in.: 24 hours / > 6 in.: 72 hours.
Loudoun County residents and business owners have 6 hours to remove snow from public sidewalks (or 12pm the next day). Fines of $250 can be issued.
Alexandria City residents and business owners have 24 to 72 to remove snow from public sidewalks depending on the “Level” of the storm as determined by the city. Fines of $50 can be issued. Note: Level 1: 24 hours / Level 2: 48 hours / Level 3: 72 hours.
Falls Church City residents and business owners have 12 hours to remove snow from public sidewalks. Citations can be issued.
Fairfax County and Fairfax City residents are encouraged by the governments to shovel their sidwalks, but they are not legally obligated to shovel their sidewalks.
Prince William County residents are encouraged by the governments to shovel their sidwalks, but they are not legally obligated to shovel their sidewalks.
Manassas City residents and business owners have 12 hours to remove snow from public sidewalks. Citations can be issued.
Richmond City residents and business owners have 6 hours to remove snow from public sidewalks (or 11am the next day). Fines of $250 can be issued.
Longman & Van Grack’s litigation attorneys consist of lawyers who have handled property and real estate issues in many courts throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. If you would like to discuss our assistance with a property or litigation matter, call Longman & Van Grack’s attorneys today at (301) 291-5027 to schedule a consultation in our Bethesda or Rockville, Maryland offices. Feel free to call and speak with one of our property litigators directly: Adam Van Grack, Theodore Kiviat, Julian Haffner, or Sat Nam Khalsa.
