Loudoun County, VA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Obstruction of public sidewalks in Loudoun County is governed by Virginia state law and county ordinances. Virginia Code Section 33.2-1224 prohibits obstructing any public road, including sidewalks, and gives VDOT authority to remove obstructions from state-maintained rights-of-way. The county's Zoning Ordinance prohibits placement of signs in the public right-of-way without authorization, and the county periodically removes illegally placed signs from medians and sidewalks. Construction activities that block sidewalks require a VDOT land use permit and must provide ADA-compliant alternative pedestrian routes with appropriate signage and barriers. Trash cans and recycling containers should be placed at the curb for collection but must not permanently obstruct sidewalk passage. Most Ashburn HOAs have additional restrictions: vehicles cannot be parked on sidewalks, basketball hoops cannot encroach onto sidewalks, and landscaping must be maintained so it does not overgrow onto sidewalk surfaces. Snow and ice removal from sidewalks is typically required by HOA covenants within 24 hours of the end of a storm event.