Montgomery County Cracks Down on Unshoveled Sidewalks

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Montgomery County has taken enforcement action against a property owner in downtown Bethesda who failed to clear snow from the sidewalks in front of a future apartment building within the required 24-hour period. The county issued a violation notice threatening fines of up to $750 per day if the sidewalks were not cleared, prompting the property owner to take action.

Why it matters

Uncleared sidewalks pose a public safety hazard, especially for pedestrians, the elderly, and those with mobility issues. Montgomery County has strict laws requiring property owners to maintain clear sidewalks, and this enforcement action demonstrates the county's commitment to holding owners accountable and keeping streets safe for residents.

The details

A county code enforcement officer visited the site of the future Artena Bethesda apartment building and issued a violation notice after the sidewalks remained unshoveled five days after a recent storm. The notice threatened $520 in fines if the sidewalks were not cleared within 24 hours, and $750 per day after that. The property owner's contractor has since shoveled a path in response to the order.

• The storm ended five days before the code enforcement visit.
• The property owner had 24 hours to clear the sidewalks before facing fines.

What’s next

The county will continue to monitor the property to ensure the sidewalks remain clear, and may issue additional fines if the owner fails to comply.