Get Shoveling: Arlington Snow Removal Ordinance In Effect

ARLINGTON, VA — In the aftermath of the storm that dropped several inches of snow on Northern Virginia over the weekend, Arlington residents and businesses are finding the sidewalks near them blanketed the snow and ice.

In the interest of safety, Arlington residents and businesses are required by law to remove snow and ice from adjacent public sidewalks by 2 a.m. on Tuesday.

According to county ordinance, snow:

• 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 may remove 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.

In addition, private owners are prohibited from moving snow from private property to public property, including on streets and sidewalks. Violators are subject to a class 4 (criminal) misdemeanor and fine of $250.

Commercial properties owners are also subject to the snow clearing ordinance and should include snow clearing in their basic business plans.

Following the recent storm, Arlington’s sidewalk snow removal ordinance is in effect, requiring residents and businesses to clear adjacent public sidewalks of snow and ice by 2am tomorrow, Feb. 2. https://t.co/tUtCdUSUcP
— Arlington County (@ArlingtonVA) February 1, 2021