Despite Norfolk's mild Tidewater climate and infrequent snow, the city code is strict when it does fall: owners and occupants must clear snow and ice from adjoining sidewalks within three hours after snowfall stops, under Norfolk City Code Sec. 42-34.
Snow is rare in coastal Norfolk, but the sidewalk-clearing duty is real and unusually tight. Norfolk City Code Sec. 42-34 requires the owner or occupant of property to remove snow and ice from the abutting sidewalk within three hours after the snowfall ceases. When snow stops falling overnight, between 3 p.m. and 7 a.m., residents have until 11 a.m. the next morning to clear it. Clearing must not obstruct water flow in the gutters. Pushing snow from private driveways or lots back onto city streets is separately prohibited as a right-of-way obstruction under Sec. 42-10.
Failing to clear an abutting sidewalk within the code's window is a City Code violation that can bring a fine, and an uncleared walk exposes the owner to slip-and-fall liability.
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See how Norfolk City's snow & sidewalk clearing rules stack up against other locations.
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