Daily $100 Fine If You Don't Shovel Sidewalks

LARGO, MD — With some forecasts calling for close to a foot of snowfall this weekend, Prince George’s County officials are reminding residents that they are responsible for clearing snow and ice from paved sidewalks adjacent to their properties.

County code requires that owners, landlords and tenants clear snow and ice from abutting sidewalks within 48 hours after snow has fallen or ice has accumulated to a depth of 2 inches. Anyone who fails to clear their sidewalks within 24 hours will be given a reminder notice/door hanger by a county inspector.

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After the 24-hour period, the inspector will revisit a site and if the responsible persons have failed to clear the sidewalks, a citation will be issued that carries with it a $100 fine.

Additional citations – and $100 fines -- will be issued for each 24-hour period that the snow and ice remain on the sidewalks.

If the snow and ice are not removed or treated by the property owner or lessee in a timely manner, the county may hire a contractor do so. The contractor’s costs will be added to the fine for the violations.

Areas of primary focus include sidewalks:

• Adjacent to commercial establishments and apartment complexes

• Along roadways within 1.5 miles of a school

• Along state designated highways

• Along county primary roadways

• Abutting major public gathering places like churches, assembly halls, etc.

• Reported through public complaints (CountyClick 311 or http://countyclick.princegeorgescountymd.gov/)

Now is the best time to find that hidden shovel or purchase one from the local hardware store; and, while you are at it, remember to pick up something to treat ice.