Anne Arundel Council adopts amendment clarifying sidewalk snow/ice ordinance applies to private property, schedules further hearing

The Anne Arundel County Council on Nov. 17 adopted a clarifying amendment to an ordinance that would require removal of snow and ice from sidewalks and make private property owners responsible when those sidewalks front county right-of-way.

Ethan Hunt, speaking for the administration, said Amendment 14 "clarifies that private property fronting county sidewalks is in fact subject to this bill." The amendment was adopted by roll call, 4–3.

Opponents in public testimony raised practical and equity concerns. Kurt Svensson of Arnold argued that the county should first identify prioritized sidewalk snow routes and noted the county’s demographics, saying in part, "Anne Arundel ACDS reports that 27.8% of all county households are headed by a senior householder age 65 or older." Amy Leahy, representing the Greater Smyrna Park Council, warned the bill’s lien language was "draconian" and could pit neighbors against each other; she also said commercial parking lots were not addressed in the ordinance.

Council members pressed administration staff on how enforcement would work. Ally Velez, chief of licensing, said complaints could be handled administratively and Kelly County, the supervising county attorney, confirmed the county accepts anonymous complaints via the 311 app and that complaints submitted by email would be public record and could be released if requested.

After discussion the council adopted Amendment 14 by roll call (Pickard Aye; Wilke Nay; Fiedler Nay; Radvian Aye; Ledbetter Nay; Smith Aye; Hummer Aye). Chair Hummer announced Bill 7,625 as amended will be heard again on Dec. 1, 2025.

The ordinance and the amendment have drawn opposition from neighborhood groups and residents who said the measure needs clearer exemptions and attention to implementation before becoming law. The council’s next steps are a continued hearing and administrative refinements to enforcement procedures.