Winter season is here! The Department of Code Compliance reminds our community members that residents and business owners are responsible for removing and clearing away ice and snow 24 hours after the snow, sleet, or rain. This is to ensure the safety of everyone.

Section 12-109 of Municode states:

“It shall be duty of every person in charge or control of any building or parcel of land, located in the city, fronting or abutting on a paved public sidewalk, whether as owner, proprietor, tenant, occupant or otherwise, within twenty-four (24) hours after the ceasing to fall of any snow, sleet or freezing rain, to remove and clear away, or cause to be removed and cleared away, such snow, sleet or freezing rain from such public sidewalk as is in front of or abuts on said building or lot of land. It shall be unlawful to fail, neglect or refuse to comply with this section.

Penalty. Every person who shall neglect or refuse to comply will be fined fifteen dollars ($15.00) for each incident.”

In order to keep freezing rain away from the sidewalk, the department recommends for homeowners and business owners allow the sump pump water line to flow under the sidewalk into the gutter. This will reduce icy sidewalks during freezing temperatures.

For any questions, please get in touch with the Code Compliance Department at 301-985-6595