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    • Permanent Snow Ordinance Public Hearing

     

    plowing snowArlington County's emergency snow ordinance is about to expire. The County Board is considering adopting a permanent ordinance that would require residents and businesses to clear sidewalks after snow and ice storms. The ordinance would establish time frames for snow clearing and fines and penalties for non-compliance.

    Learn more and share your thoughts regarding this possible permanent ordinance.

    A snow ordinance public forum will be held Thursday, May 20, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at 3033 Wilson Blvd. (next to the Clarendon Metro), Conference Rooms 7E and 7F in Arlington.

    Can't make it? Share your thoughts. Arlington County is currently in a fact-finding mode and all input and ideas are welcome and will be reviewed prior to a Public Hearing scheduled for June 12.

    The County's proposed action is meant to help keep the public right of way clear, ensure the continuation of business operations within the County, allow residents and workers mobility and provide access to critical services after a snowstorm.

    men clearing snow

    The forum is part of a public outreach effort before the County Board votes on the proposed ordinance after a public hearing on Saturday, June 12. Read the proposed ordinance and staff report (item #39 on the April 24 County Board agenda).

    Benchmarking other jurisdictions

    • The City of Alexandria requires property owners to clear sidewalks within 24 hours. Alexandria’s ordinance assesses a $50 civil penalty, but only after written notice has been issued.
    • Loudoun County requires property owners to clear sidewalks within 6 hours. People with physical or mental disabilities, and people over the age of 65, are exempted. The county provides written notice and has not had to issue fines due to high compliance. Like Arlington’s proposed ordinance, Loudoun can assess a fine of up to $250, which is a class 4 misdemeanor.
    • Fairfax County does not have a sidewalk snow removal ordinance.
     

    Last Modified: May 11, 2010
    2100 Clarendon Blvd. Arlington, VA 22201 Tel: 703-228-3000 TTY: 703-228-4611