Yes You Need To Shovel The Sidewalk
Dec 22, 2009 8:44 - 4 Comments
Now that the >Blizzard of 2009 has past, and the snowplows have done their thing, many are wondering whether they really, really, need to shovel their sidewalks — many of which are covered over with plowed goo.
This from the City of Rockville’s inclement weather page:
The City would like to remind you that its snow ordinance requires that snow be removed from sidewalks, steps, driveways, parking spaces and similar paved areas for public use (including access ramps and curbs) within 24 hours after a snow fall of three inches or less, and within 48 hours after a snowfall of more than three inches. Clearing paved areas provide a safe, unobstructed, passable path 36 inches wide. Ice must be removed or treated within 24 hours, and surfaces must be treated to prevent re-freezing. Violators may be fined $100 per occurrence.
So, the answer appears to be yes. Having almost slammed into a number of night-walking pedestrians in my neighborhood, cleared sidewalks are very important for overall safety. So, while it’s a pain to remove all that frozen slush, it’s best for all.
I’ve got an 18″ path cleared on part of a sidewalk in front of my house — I’d better get out there and widen it!
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I think we all know we’re supposed to clear our sidewalks after a snow storm. But do the regulations say I have to clear my sidewalks after a 4 foot snow plow ice storm? (In other words … I DID clear my sidewalks after the snow storm. But the plows went and covered them up.
I sent a panic’ed letter to the mayor and council and public works asking them to please push the snow to the center of Henderson Circle (Beall and Mannakee) and please not re-fill the sidewalks which i shoveled twice during the storm to lessen the work after it finished (a snow plow ice and snow storm, nice comment).(Spring will be here soon and we can plant flower bulbs next to our new sidewalks)response:Dear Mr. Winfield:Thank you for contacting the City of Rockville regarding your request for snow removal procedures at Henderson Circle. I am responding on behalf of the Mayor and Council, each of whom have received a copy of your email. I spoke to Jason Bible, Assistant Superintendent responsible for snow removal yesterday regarding your request. This was received by Public Works on Friday, and he indicated that the crews were directed, per your request, to push as much of the snow as possible to the circle. The City inspected 544 Beall Avenue this morning, and the sidewalks and handicap ramps are clear. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions or need further assistance at this time. Thank you for contacting the City of Rockville, and best wishes for a happy and peaceful holiday season. Sincerely,
I find this policy very frustrating since my street (Bauer Drive between Marianna and Frankfort) was plowed only once last weekend… at 9AM Saturday – 14 hours before it stopped snowing. There were still deep ruts of ice on Tuesday – 3 days after the storm ended.
John – Your beef is with Montgomery County rather than with the City of Rockville. You live outside the corporate limits of Rockville.