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Committee backs ordinance shifting sidewalk snow/ice duty to multifamily owners and replacing misdemeanors with civil penalties
Summary
The committee forwarded Ordinance 2026-689 to council with a recommendation to approve; the measure clarifies sidewalk removal responsibilities, shifts duty for buildings with three or more units to the owner, replaces potential misdemeanor charges with civil penalties, and allows waivers for declared emergencies and exemptions for seniors and disabled residents.
The Governmental Operations Standing Committee voted to forward Ordinance 2026-689 to full council with a recommendation to approve an update to the city's sidewalk snow- and ice-removal rules.
Chair Jared Jordan introduced the paper as a response to constituent confusion following a severe ice storm and said the measure "seeks to clarify that confusion and provide a more straightforward way for the city to interact with those who are not complying." The ordinance would classify violations as civil rather than potential misdemeanors and shift responsibility for properties with three or more dwelling units from occupants to owners or property managers.
Committee members raised concerns about enforcement in extreme conditions when the city cannot clear ice and snow quickly. The ordinance includes flexibility: the chief administrative officer may waive penalties for violations occurring during a declared state or local emergency as defined by the Code of Virginia, and the section exempts individuals who are physically disabled or age 65 and older.
Bobby Vincent, director of Public Works, said the city supports a proactive approach and urged residents to take reasonable measures (salt or sand) to assist in immediate post-storm conditions. Members also sought clarity on where civil-penalty revenue is recorded; staff indicated fines would go to the general fund with line-item coding to be clarified.
The committee moved, seconded and approved forwarding the ordinance with a recommendation to approve at council.
