Alexandria, VA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)
Key Facts
- Snow removal duty
- Owner/occupant, per Sec. 5-2-21
- Level 1 emergency deadline
- 24 hours after snow stops
- Level 3 emergency deadline
- 72 hours after snow stops
- Civil penalty
- $50 per violation after notice
- Storefront cleanliness duty
- Owner/occupant, per Sec. 5-2-20
Summary
City Code Sec. 5-2-21 puts the job of clearing snow, sleet and ice off an abutting public sidewalk on the property owner or occupant, on a deadline tied to the city's declared snow emergency level. A companion rule, Sec. 5-2-20, requires storefronts and buildings to keep the sidewalk in front of them clear of trash and debris.
Sec. 5-2-21 - Removal of snow, sleet and ice. (a)Whenever snow shall fall and lie on the sidewalks of the city, it shall be the duty of each owner or occupant to clean same from the public sidewalk abutting the place owned or occupied by him. The time for such removal shall be as follows:i.When the city manager or his designee has declared a Level 1 snow emergency, within 24 hours after the snow shall have ceased to fall;ii.When the city manager or his designee has declared a Level 2 snow emergency, within 48 hours after the snow shall have ceased to fall;iii.When the city manager or his designee has declared a Level 3 snow emergency, within 72 hours after the snow shall have ceased to fall. ... (e)A person shall be assessed a civil penalty of $50 for violating any provision of this section.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 156 | Zoning: Supplement 103).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 5-2-21(a) states that whenever snow falls and lies on a city sidewalk, "it shall be the duty of each owner or occupant to clean same from the public sidewalk abutting the place owned or occupied by him," with removal required within 24 hours after snow stops falling under a Level 1 snow emergency, 48 hours under Level 2, and 72 hours under Level 3; ice or sleet that can't safely be removed must instead be covered with sand or ashes within 24 hours. For buildings owned by the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority, buildings with four or more rental units, or unoccupied properties, the duty falls on the owner or the owner's agent.
Sec. 5-2-21(b) lets T&ES give written notice to a non-complying owner or occupant, after which the city may clear the snow itself and bill the owner, with unpaid bills becoming a lien on the property, or issue a civil penalty citation. Separately, Sec. 5-2-20 makes it the duty of anyone occupying a store, commercial establishment or premises fronting a street to keep the sidewalk directly in front of it "clean and clear of rubbish, trash, waste papers," with that duty falling on the building owner in office buildings, apartment buildings and other structures with three or more tenants.
Violations & Fines
Sec. 5-2-21(e) sets a civil penalty of $50 for each violation of the snow-and-ice removal duty, but the fine can't be assessed until the city has given written notice under subsection (b) and an additional 24 hours to comply has passed. If the owner or occupant still doesn't clear the sidewalk, T&ES can do the work itself and bill the cost to the owner, collectible the same way as unpaid city taxes and enforceable as a property lien.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has to shovel the sidewalk in front of my Alexandria house?
What happens if I don't clear my sidewalk after a snow emergency?
Does a storefront owner have to keep the sidewalk clear of trash too?
Who is responsible if a rental building sits vacant during a snowstorm?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Alexandria
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