Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Contact: Shannon Whalen McDaniel 703-228-3685 (voice) 703-228-4611(TTY)
Contact: Myllisa Lardieri Kennedy 703-228-3152 cell: 571-722-8721 (voice) 703-228-4611(TTY)
CORRECTION: Arlington County Sets June 12 Public Hearing on Snow Removal Ordinance
- Proposed ordinance would affect residential, commercial districts
- All property owners would be required to clear snow, ice from sidewalks
ARLINGTON, Va. – The Arlington County Board today voted unanimously to advertise a public hearing for Saturday, June 12 for a permanent, County-wide snow removal ordinance, not June 13 as stated in the original press release.
The proposed ordinance would require all Arlington property owners, occupants, or person in charge to clear public sidewalks adjacent to their property of snow and ice within a designated period of time. The ordinance also would prohibit transferring or depositing snow and ice from private property onto a County street, pedestrian walkway or trail.
The Board earlier enacted an emergency snow removal ordinance that is set to expire on May 13, 2010. Both the emergency and proposed permanent ordinances are a result of public concern expressed over sidewalks and streets remaining impassable for days after this winter’s historic snowfalls. The County’s proposed action is meant to help keep the public right of way clear, allow residents mobility, provide access to critical services, and help minimize the disruption to businesses within the County.
Highlights of proposed ordinance
The permanent ordinance addresses two areas of concern – clearing sidewalks and ensuring public safety in the right-of-way.
If adopted, the ordinance first would require all property owners to remove snow and ice adjacent to their property, a minimum of thirty-six inches wide (to accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, and adults with children in hand) within 24 hours after the snow stops falling, when accumulations are less than six inches, and within 36 hours when six or more inches of snow accumulate. Failure to comply with the ordinance could result in a civil penalty.
An abatement condition in the ordinance would allow the County to remove the snow or ice when a property owner fails to comply and the violation presents an imminent threat to life or property.
Under the ordinance depositing snow or ice from a private property onto a County street, transit stop, sidewalk or any public property would be deemed a threat to public safety, and the ordinance imposes criminal penalties that could result in a class 4 misdemeanor.
Click here to read the staff report: (Item #39 on the April 24 agenda). You can also view the Board discussion.
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.
