Montgomery County, MD Property Maintenance: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (2026)
Key Facts
- Deadline
- 24 hours after precipitation ends
- Commercial penalty
- $250 initial civil offense
- Residential penalty
- Class C, up to $50
- Enforcing agency
- Dept. of Transportation
- Notice required
- Before any citation issues
Summary
Montgomery County property owners, tenants, and managers must clear sidewalk snow and ice within 24 hours after precipitation ends, or face a civil citation.
The person is responsible for removing snow and ice within 24 hours after the end of the precipitation that caused the condition. ... A violation of this Section is: (A) on or adjacent to residential property, a class C violation; and (B) on or adjacent to commercial property, a class A violation subject to a civil penalty of $250 for an initial offense, with penalties for repeat offenses according to Section 1-19.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-90: Montgomery County Code contains legislation effective through May 7, 2026 | Zoning Updated Effective: April 13, 2026 | COMCOR Regulations effective as of July 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under County Code § 49-17, owners, tenants, or managers are jointly and severally responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks, sidepaths, and parking areas on or adjacent to property they own, lease, or manage within 24 hours after precipitation ends. If ice or hardpacked snow can't reasonably be removed, sand, abrasives, or salt must be applied instead. The Department of Transportation enforces the rule and must give a notice of violation before citing anyone; a citation issues only if the condition still exists 24 hours after that notice. Single-family residential sidewalks not directly accessible from the owner's property, unpaved sidewalks, and a few other narrow categories are exempted.
Violations & Fines
Residential: class C violation, up to $50 civil penalty (repeat $75). Commercial: class A violation, $250 civil penalty for an initial offense, escalating for repeats under § 1-19.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to clear snow from my sidewalk in Montgomery County?
Can the County cite me immediately if my sidewalk is still covered?
Who is responsible for a multi-family building's sidewalk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery County
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