Sidewalk ordinance enforcement is back on the books in Alexandria tomorrow (Tuesday), according to a city announcement this afternoon.
Starting tomorrow, City of Alexandria residents, property owners, community associations and businesses are required to clear sidewalks, driveways and entrances within 72 hours, due to the storm’s “Level 3” severity. According to the city, residents should do the following to abide by City Code Section 5-2-21.
- Clear snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to your property as soon as possible.
- If you are able, move vehicles parked on residential streets that have not been fully plowed to allow the City to work to clear the street.
- Help your neighbors who may be unable to clear the snow and ice on their own.
Enforcement was temporarily paused last Thursday to provide residents more time to recover from the major storm, which dropped 7 inches of snow over Alexandria, along with some of the worst sleet and freezing rain conditions the city has seen in 30 years. Conditions were slow to improve with consistent cold temperatures and overnight refreezing.
Failure to meet the code “may result in the City having work done and charging the cost to the property owner, or fining the property owner $50,” according to the city’s website.
Most city-owned sidewalks are cleared, the city wrote. Alexandria is continuing to focus on “ensuring safe access to bus stops, schools, and residential streets,” according to the announcement.
Alexandria City Public Schools plans to reopen tomorrow with a two-hour delay.
The City of Alexandria’s full announcement is available, below.
The City of Alexandria continues to make progress clearing snow and ice following the recent winter storm, and we appreciate the patience and efforts of residents across the city.
Beginning Tuesday, February 3, the City will begin
enforcement of the sidewalk snow removal ordinance which can be found in City Code §5-2-21. Enforcement was paused to allow residents additional time to recover from the storm. The City has worked to clear most City-owned sidewalks and has been focusing on ensuring safe access to bus stops, schools, and residential streets. We need the community’s help to clear private sidewalks and help keep everyone safe. What We Are Asking Residents to Do Today
- Clear snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to your property as soon as possible.
- If you are able, move vehicles parked on residential streets that have not been fully plowed to allow the City to work to clear the street.
- Help your neighbors who may be unable to clear the snow and ice on their own.
Snow Removal Ordinance Reminder
Sidewalks, driveways, and entrances are the responsibility of the adjacent property owner, occupant, community association, or business. Because this was a Level 3 Snow Emergency, snow and ice must be cleared from all paved sidewalks abutting your property within 72 hours of the end of the snowfall. This time was extended due to the severe nature of the weather event.
- Penalties for noncompliance can be found in City Code §5-2-21.
More information is available at alexandriava.gov/Snow.
