Alexandria's Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles sidewalk & pedestrian rules a little differently. In Alexandria, Virginia, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Sidewalk Repair

City Code Sec. 5-2-21 puts the job of clearing snow, sleet and ice off an abutting public sidewalk on the property owner or occupant, on a deadline tied to the city's declared snow emergency level. A companion rule, Sec. 5-2-20, requires storefronts and buildings to keep the sidewalk in front of them clear of trash and debris.

Key details: Snow removal duty: Owner/occupant, per Sec. 5-2-21. Level 1 emergency deadline: 24 hours after snow stops. Level 3 emergency deadline: 72 hours after snow stops. Civil penalty: $50 per violation after notice. Storefront cleanliness duty: Owner/occupant, per Sec. 5-2-20.

Sec. 5-2-21(e) sets a civil penalty of $50 for each violation of the snow-and-ice removal duty, but the fine can't be assessed until the city has given written notice under subsection (b) and an additional 24 hours to comply has passed. If the owner or occupant still doesn't clear the sidewalk, T&ES can do the work itself and bill the cost to the owner, collectible the same way as unpaid city taxes and enforceable as a property lien.

Obstruction Rules

Alexandria prohibits placing goods, merchandise or foodstuffs on a sidewalk, street or public right-of-way, or otherwise obstructing it, unless a right-of-way permit under Sec. 5-2-29(g) and the zoning ordinance has been issued. City Code Sec. 5-2-16 allows a brief exception only while items are actively being received or delivered.

Key details: Citation: City Code Sec. 5-2-16. Penalty: Up to $2,500 fine and/or 12 months (Sec. 1-1-7). Permit route: Zoning Sec. 7-2400 plus Sec. 5-2-29(g). Delivery exception: Only as long as reasonably necessary. Enforced by: Transportation & Environmental Services, police.

Because Sec. 5-2-16 sets no specific penalty, the general penalty clause in Sec. 1-1-7 governs: a fine of not more than $2,500, imprisonment of not more than 12 months, or both, and each day the obstruction continues is a separate offense. The department of transportation and environmental services and the police department both have authority to cite unpermitted sidewalk obstructions.

Encroachment Permits

Placing anything in the public right-of-way in Alexandria, from steps to planters to signs, requires an encroachment permit from the Director of T&ES under Sec. 5-2-29. The Director reviews every application for safety, nuisance risk and, in historic districts, compatibility with the streetscape, and can revoke a permit and order removal for noncompliance.

Key details: Permit issuer: Director, Transportation & Environmental Services. Fee basis: Set under Sec. 3-2-82 and 3-2-85. Insurance: Required for duration of encroachment. Removal notice: At least 10 days' written notice. Historic district review: Board of Architectural Review design guidelines apply.

Under Sec. 5-2-29(a)(4), the Director can order a permit holder to remove an encroachment that interferes with public access or is otherwise inconsistent with public welfare, giving at least 10 days' written notice before the removal deadline. If the holder can't be located or fails to remove it in time, the Director may remove the encroachment at the holder's expense, and the city is not liable for any resulting loss or damage to the structure. A permit can also simply be revoked for failure to comply with any of its conditions.

This is one of the stricter rules in Alexandria's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Alexandria's sidewalk & pedestrian rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Alexandria is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Alexandria's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.