Arlington’s snow removal ordinance is in effect after yesterday’s storm.
According to the National Weather Service, 7.2 inches of snow fell at Reagan National Airport (totals of up to 9.3 inches were reported elsewhere in Arlington and Falls Church).
That means that residents and businesses have 36 hours after the last flakes fell — shortly before 11 p.m. Monday night, thus 11 a.m. Wednesday — to remove snow and ice from public sidewalks on their property.
More from the county website, below.
- Snow and ice removal – All property owners are required to remove snow and ice from public sidewalks adjacent to their property:
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- The County mayremove 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 County’s snowfighting efforts.
- Commercial property owners are expected to comply with the Ordinance. Snow clearing should be part of basic business operating plans.
“Individual homeowners who are physically incapable of complying with the ordinance are exempt,” the county website adds. “The County will not pre-qualify or maintain lists of exempt individuals. Prior to issuing citations, County staff will make every effort to contact owners to determine if they are exempt.”
If shoveling is not top of your list of favorite things to do, there are likely some people in your neighborhood who are physically fit and looking to earn a few bucks after a long period of idle time: Arlington public schools are closed again today, adding a second snow day on to the end of winter break.
On the roads, meanwhile, Arlington County is in Phase 3 of its snow removal response. That means that the main focus is now on local streets, though some may still be fully or partially snow-covered.
“Residential streets may only be passable with one lane and you may not see bare pavement yet,” the county notes, adding that crews are also still working on main routes and trails. “Primary (red) and secondary (blue) arterial roads are being widened to the shoulder. As possible, additional County trails are cleared.
