Suffolk, VA Property Maintenance: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (2026)
Key Facts
- Clearing Duty
- Yes, by ordinance
- Code Section
- City Code Sec. 74-41
- Deadline
- Six hours after snow stops
- Overnight Snow
- Six hours after sunrise
- Fine
- $1–$5 per day it remains
Summary
Yes. Suffolk requires it. City Code Sec. 74-41 makes each owner or occupant clear snow from the sidewalk and gutter in front of their property within six hours after snow stops falling, or within six hours after sunrise if it fell overnight.
Whenever snow shall fall and lie on the streets of the city, it shall be the duty of each owner or occupant to clean the snow from the sidewalk and gutter in front of the place owned or occupied by him within six hours after the snow shall have ceased to fall unless the same is at night and, if at night, then within six hours after sunrise the next day. Any person failing to comply herewith shall be fined not less than $1.00, nor more than $5.00 for each day he may allow the snow to remain on such sidewalk or gutter.
Full Breakdown
Sidewalk snow removal is a real, enforceable duty in Suffolk, set by City Code Sec. 74-41. Whenever snow falls and lies on the city's streets, the owner or occupant of abutting property must clear the snow from the sidewalk and gutter in front of the place they own or occupy within six hours after the snow stops falling. If it falls at night, the clock runs from six hours after sunrise the next day. The penalty is modest, not less than $1.00 and not more than $5.00 for each day the snow remains, but it accrues daily. Private streets in developments (yellow street signs) are the homeowner or HOA's responsibility.
Violations & Fines
Leaving snow or ice on the abutting sidewalk or gutter past the six-hour window violates Sec. 74-41, punishable by a fine of $1.00 to $5.00 for each day the snow remains: a per-day charge across a storm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to shovel my sidewalk in Suffolk?
What is the penalty for not clearing snow?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Suffolk
Compare Suffolk to another location·View the Virginia property maintenance overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.