Failure To Remove Snow, Ice From Sidewalks Could Lead To Fines

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Residents and business owners are reminded that they are responsible for clearing paved sidewalks adjacent to their properties from snow and ice. Failure to do so could result in being fined.

Prince George’s County Code Section 23-150 mandates that responsible parties remove accumulated snow and ice from abutting sidewalks within 48 hours after snow has fallen or ice has accumulated to a depth of two or more inches, county officials noted.

Responsible parties who fail to clear the abutting sidewalks within 24 hours of the end of a major snow event will be issued a reminder notice by a DPIE inspector. After another 24-hour period, the DPIE inspector will conduct a second inspection. If the responsible parties have failed to clear their sidewalks within the designated 48 hours following the end of a major snow event, the inspector will issue a citation that carries a fine of $100 per day, county officials noted.

Additional citations may be issued for subsequent 24-hour periods until the accumulated snow and ice are cleared. Fines will continue to accumulate with each successive citation, county officials noted. If the snow and ice are not removed in a timely manner, the county has the authority to hire a contractor to clear it and add the costs to the fines.

Areas of primary focus include sidewalks:

• Adjacent to commercial establishments and apartment/condominium complexes
• Along roadways within 1.5 miles of a school
• Along state designated highways
• Along county primary roadways
• Abutting major public gathering places, such as churches, assembly halls, etc.
• Reported through public complaints (PGC311)