Anne Arundel County’s sidewalk snow-removal law is now in effect, bringing steep penalties for property owners following winter weather events.
Bill 76-25, which took effect January 19, 2026, modifies existing county code (§ 9-1-710) related to the removal of snow and ice from sidewalks. The legislation establishes a uniform requirement that residential, commercial, and government-owned sidewalks be cleared promptly after snow or ice accumulates, reinforcing sidewalk accessibility as a public safety priority.
County officials say the changes are intended to improve pedestrian safety, particularly for students walking to school, seniors, and individuals with mobility challenges who rely on clear sidewalks to navigate their neighborhoods safely. Icy or obstructed walkways can force pedestrians into roadways, increasing the risk of accidents during winter storms.
The new law arrives as Anne Arundel County experiences its first major snowstorm of the season. Under the updated requirements, property owners must clear adjacent sidewalks within 24 hours after a winter weather event ends if snow or ice accumulation is less than three inches. If accumulation reaches three inches or more, owners have 48 hours to remove the snow and ice.
Enforcement begins when a complaint is made to the county’s Department of Inspections and Permits. Inspectors will visit the property and issue a 24-hour warning notice. If the sidewalk remains uncleared after that warning period, property owners may face a civil citation. Fines are set at $50 for sidewalks bordering residential properties and $125 for sidewalks adjacent to commercial, multi-family, or other non-residential properties.
In addition to fines, the law allows the county’s Department of Public Works to clear the sidewalk if the property owner fails to comply after receiving notice. In those cases, the cost of snow removal is billed directly to the property owner.
The increased fines and enforcement authority were approved by the Anne Arundel County Council on December 1 and became effective January 19. The legislation was sponsored by Council Chair Julie Hummer and passed on a 4-3 vote, with Democratic council members voting in favor and Republican members opposing the changes.
Supporters argue the bill creates consistency, accountability, and safer conditions for pedestrians during winter months. They point to recurring complaints about impassable sidewalks near schools, transit stops, and business districts following snowstorms.
Critics, however, say the law may place an undue burden on homeowners, small businesses, seniors, and individuals with disabilities who may have difficulty shoveling snow themselves or affording private snow-removal services. Others have raised concerns about selective enforcement and the reliance on complaint-based inspections, arguing that it could lead to uneven application across neighborhoods.
Despite the debate, county officials emphasize that the goal of Bill 76-25 is prevention rather than punishment, encouraging timely snow removal before fines or county intervention become necessary. As winter weather continues, property owners are being urged to familiarize themselves with the updated requirements to avoid penalties – and to help keep Anne Arundel County’s sidewalks safe and accessible for everyone.
For more information on Bill 76-25, visit https://www.aacounty.org/inspections-and-permits/licenses/snowice-removal-sidewalks.
