Article by Salvador Dos Santos

February 5, 2026

Anne Arundel County was hit hard this past winter by a series of powerful storms that blanketed the region in snow and ice and left sidewalks and roadways difficult to navigate.  The storm, part of a pattern that brought significant snow and ice to the Washington, D.C. metro area, dumped up to a foot of snow in parts of the county, prompting travel disruptions, school closings, and a spirited community effort to dig out and restore normal life.

While residents struggled to clear driveways and sidewalks, debates over how best to enforce snow removal responsibilities heated up.  At the heart of this discussion was new legislation — Bill 76-25 — aimed at updating the county’s sidewalk snow removal laws and enforcement procedures.

Snow and Sidewalks: What’s Changed

Under the old county code, property owners were required to clear snow from sidewalks fronting their property within just six hours of a snowfall ending – a rule critics called unrealistic following heavy storms.  Violations were misdemeanor offenses with a maximum fine of just $10, and enforcement was limited.

The new legislation, passed by the County Council in late 2025, gives homeowners and businesses more time – typically 24 hours after a storm with less than three inches of snow (and up to 48 hours for larger storms) – to remove snow and ice from sidewalks.  Failure to comply can result in higher fines (often starting around $50) or even county crews stepping in to do the work and charging the property owner for the service.

The change also transforms snow removal violations from criminal misdemeanors into civil offenses and sharpens enforcement tools available to the Department of Inspections and Permits.

Voices from the Community

Not everyone in Anne Arundel County is happy with the new approach.  Some homeowners say the rules don’t consider real challenges people face during a storm.

Martha Greene, a Glen Burnie resident whose street remained covered in snow long after plows passed through, said the legislation was “out of touch.” “Officials haven’t seen what it’s like on the ground here,” Greene remarked.  “We’re digging out cars and trying to get to work. Now we have to worry about fines on top of all that? It feels like punishment instead of support.”

Similarly, James Ortiz, who lives in Crofton, expressed frustration with how uneven snow removal has been in his neighborhood.  “I cleared my sidewalk as soon as I could,” Ortiz said, “but then the county plowed and buried it again with a huge pile.  Am I supposed to clear that by tomorrow, too?  This law doesn’t make common sense for people actually living here.”

These grassroots criticisms echo sentiments raised by local residents on community forums during and after the storm – including complaints about county plows leaving sidewalks blocked or streets unplowed days after the snowfall.

Yet not all responses have been negative.

Elena Park, who lives near Annapolis, offered a contrasting view.  As a daily walker and parent of two school-aged children, she supports the county’s decision.  “I’ve seen firsthand how dangerous uncleared sidewalks can be — especially for kids walking to the bus stop or seniors trying to get out for errands,” she explained.  “The old six-hour rule was impossible for anyone who works or has real life responsibilities.  This update gives people a fair window and keeps our sidewalks safer for everyone.”

Looking Ahead

For many, the true test of the ordinance will come with the next big snowfall.  Advocates of the law say it strikes a balance between safety and fairness, while critics want more accommodations – especially for elderly residents, people with physical limitations, and those whose sidewalks are repeatedly reburied by secondary plowing.

Officials have said they will monitor complaints, refine enforcement processes, and consider exemptions for special circumstances.  For now, though, Anne Arundel County residents are learning quickly that winter in Maryland isn’t just about staying warm – it’s about navigating evolving expectations for community responsibility after the snow stops falling.