Winter Is Coming: Snow Removal Bill Approved by County Council

Is it too soon to think about shoveling sidewalks?

The Montgomery County Council passed a snow removal bill on Oct. 21 with the goal of preparing the county for the coming snow season.

Backed by eight members of the council, and sponsored by Council member Hans Riemer, the bill requires a plan that includes a digital map of the county that shows who is responsible for clearing snow on each sidewalk in the county, reports Montgomery Community Media.

“We can do better, if we intend to do better. … The goal of this bill is to make our county more walkable in every season. This bill promotes public safety and mobility as well as resilience by making it safer for people to walk where they need to go,” Riemer said.

According to a press release, the bill co-sponsored by Council member Nancy Navarro requires the county executive to develop a sidewalk snow removal plan for publicly-owned land. That plan must prioritize high-volume pedestrian routes, bus stops, school zones, along state highways, and urban districts; a digital map of the county that shows who is responsible for clearing snow and ice from each sidewalk in the county; and a public education campaign on property owners responsibilities for clearing snow and ice from their sidewalk.

Council member George Leventhal, who voted against the bill, questioned the need to pass legislation, the plan for trash removal during a major snowstorm, and the fairness on deciding what roads should be considered priority.

Transportation officials said the intention of the bill was to fill in the gap under existing law. Property owners in Montgomery County are required to remove snow and ice from sidewalks that are contiguous to their property within 24 hours.

According to county’s documents, the office of management and budget, estimated the annual cost to clear all sidewalks in the county to be $6 million.