Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Saturday, March 13, 2010
County Board Adopts Emergency Snow Removal Ordinance
- In effect for 60 days
- Requires owners, managers in commercial areas to remove snow within 24 hours
- Exempts persons over age 65, disabled, those deemed physically incapable
ARLINGTON, Va. – The Arlington County Board today voted to enact an emergency ordinance requiring the removal of snow from public sidewalks in commercial areas. The ordinance became effective immediately, and will remain in force for 60 days. The Board intends to advertise a permanent snow ordinance at its April meeting.
“With today’s action, Arlington for the first time formally establishes the expectation that sidewalks are to be cleared following snowfall,” said County Board Vice Chairman Christopher Zimmerman, who presented the motion. “This is fully consistent with our commitment to be a walkable, transit-oriented community.”
The emergency ordinance applies to areas zoned for commercial use throughout the County. It requires the owner, occupant or other person in charge of properties in such districts to remove more than two inches of snow from their sidewalks within 24 hours after the snow ceases to fall. The ordinance also applies to commercial rental properties with more than four units and condominiums with more than four units.
Persons more than 65 years old, or who are disabled or otherwise determined to be physically incapable of meeting the requirements are exempt. Violators shall be assessed a civil penalty of $50 for sidewalks less than 200 linear feet long and $100 for sidewalks longer than 200 linear feet.
The Board acted after noting that historic snowfalls this winter resulted in sidewalks in some areas remaining impassable for days or even weeks, making it difficult or even impossible for persons to walk safely to transit, schools or shops.
The emergency ordinance does not apply to residential areas. The vote was 3 to 2.
Read the full Board report, and the ordinance, (item #27).
Press contact: Mary Curtius, 703-228-7943
Arlington, Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the "10 miles square" parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation's Capital. It is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, occupying slightly less than 26 square miles. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land use, and received the Environmental Protection Agency's highest award for "Smart Growth" in 2002. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world - including the Pentagon - Arlington stands out as one of America's preeminent places to live, visit and do business.
