With a state of emergency declared in Virginia over forecasts of heavy snowfall this weekend, it may be time to brush up on Arlington’s snow removal ordinance.
The ordinance goes into effect after snow stops falling, but it varies based on how much accumulation there is. Penalties also vary based on the length of the sidewalk.
A couple highlights:
- If snowfall is less than 6 inches, property owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice within 24 hours after the snow stops falling.
- The deadline goes up to 36 hours if 6 or more inches of snow fall.
- A violation of the ordinance could result in a $50 civil penalty for uncleared sidewalks less than 200 linear feet long or $100 for longer uncleared sidewalks.
- The snowfall is based on measurements taken by the National Weather Service at Reagan National Airport. If more snow accumulation follows, the clock will reset to the end of that snowfall.
The county may clear sidewalks around private property if snow and ice isn’t gone by the deadline, and the cost will be charged to the property owner.
Dumping snow from private property onto streets, sidewalks and other public property can result in a $250 fine and class 4 misdemeanor charge, according to the county.
There are some exceptions to the county’s rules:
- County Manager Mark Schwartz has the authority to suspend enforcement based on the winter storm conditions.
- The snow removal ordinance provides exemptions for homeowners physically unable to remove snow and ice from their sidewalks
- Residents who cleared sidewalks but had snow reappear due to government plowing are also exempt.
The county says it will attempt to contact owners before issuing citations to determine exemption status. Property owners who receive a citation may provide information on their exemption to the county.
Residents are encouraged to contact their civic association to find out how to help neighbors with clearing sidewalks. An Arlington-based matchmaking service is available to connect residents with snow shoveling services and recruit snow shovelers.
Site creator Constantin Kostenko told ARLnow that secondary school students as well as professionals are encouraged to sign up to shovel snow.
“I created Sidecar.to as a matchmaking platform to help Arlington residents clear snow and comply with the county’s snow shoveling requirements,” said Kostenko. “The service makes it easier for residents to find help quickly after a storm and to test the entrepreneurship spirit of the younger generation.”
The Washington Post’s Capital Weather Gang has described the upcoming winter storm as a powerful storm system bringing “disruptive amounts of snow and ice.” Forecasters believe at least 5 inches of snow will fall, with potential for double digits of snow and ice accumulation.
Accumulation could start Saturday evening, with heavy accumulation of 1 to 2 inches per hour at times late Saturday and early Sunday. According to the weather service, travel could be challenging during the storm, potentially extending into the Monday morning commute.
The Virginia Department of Transportation removes snow and ice from interstates and certain major routes, and the federal government covers routes in its jurisdiction. Arlington County crews are responsible for clearing local roads and trails. The county’s form to report concerns with snow plowing opens after snowfall has ended and primary road clearing has been completed.
Residents can sign up for Arlington Alert for emergency alerts, severe weather updates and more alerts from the county.
