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Commissioners adopt ordinance requiring sidewalk snow removal with 72-hour compliance window
Summary
Board adopted an ordinance requiring property owners to remove snow from sidewalks, extended the compliance window from 36 to 72 hours, and delegated enforcement authority to the DPW&T director and designees to issue civil infractions.
St. Mary's County commissioners on Sept. 1 adopted an ordinance regulating removal of frozen precipitation from public sidewalks and streets, amending an earlier draft to increase the compliance window and to delegate enforcement authority to the Department of Public Works and Transportation.
Director George Erickson told commissioners the department revised the draft after public hearing feedback and staff work, proposing two amendments: changing the compliance period for property owners from 36 hours to 72 hours after cessation of snowfall or icy conditions, and adding an enforcement provision authorizing the DPW&T director and designees to administer and enforce the ordinance and issue civil infractions where appropriate. The department said the longer timeframe reduces neighbor-to-neighbor disputes, aligns enforcement availability with staffing during large storm events, and accounts for natural melt.
Commissioners debated concerns about elderly or immobile residents unable to clear sidewalks and about whether the county should provide assistance in large storms. Several commissioners emphasized that enforcement will be complaint-based and applied reasonably, and that the county retains discretion to act in exceptional circumstances. The board voted to adopt the amended ordinance by voice vote.
