Property owners, occupants and merchants are reminded of the City requirement to remove accumulated snow and ice from all walkways, driveways, parking lots and other areas used by pedestrians or automobiles. The owner or occupant of any property that abuts the sidewalk must clean public sidewalks of ice, sleet and snow for their full width. It is required that snow and ice be removed within the first 24 hours after the winter weather event ends. These requirements are listed under City Code Section 141-5, and County Code 23-150.
Ensuring that public sidewalks are cleared of snow and ice is an important safety and accessibility consideration for pedestrians. It is especially important for students who walk to school, senior citizens, young children, and people with accessibility needs.
Though City code enforcement officers may not cite all such violations immediately after a storm, failure to comply with this regulation in a timely manner could be used as evidence by anyone injured in a fall on or adjacent to your property if you are sued for such injuries.
Be prepared! Keep snow shovels and salt ready for the next storm, and plan to have help available if necessary to make your walkway safe as soon as the snow stops falling.
For more information about the City’s Guide to Winter Weather, please visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/snow.
More Information:
City of College Park
Department of Public Services, Code Enforcement Division
240.487.3570
publicservices@collegeparkmd.gov