District of Columbia, DC Property Maintenance: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (2026)

DC's sidewalk snow clearance is governed by DC Code section 9-601 et seq. (as amended by the Winter Sidewalk Safety Amendment Act of 2015, DC Law 20-237) and DCMR Title 24 section 1100. Property owners and tenants in possession are required to clear snow and ice from all sidewalks adjacent to their property — both public space in front of the house and along the side for corner lots — within 8 daylight hours of the end of a snow event. For snow that ends at night, clearance must occur by 8 daylight hours the next day. The cleared path must be at least 36 inches wide (ADA accessible). Ice that cannot be removed must be treated with sand, salt, or de-icer; chemical-free abrasives are recommended near tree boxes. Fines are: residential first offense $25, second offense $50, third offense $100; commercial properties pay $150 first, $250 second, $500 subsequent. Chronic non-compliance can result in DPW clearing the walk and billing the owner. Corner properties must also clear curb ramps and crosswalks. Elderly residents (over 65) and disabled residents may apply for free snow removal assistance through Serve DC's Resident Snow Team, which dispatches volunteers after significant events. DC is particularly strict after the 2010 'Snowmageddon' and 2016 'Snowzilla' accessibility failures.