DC Residents Over 60 Can Request Assistance with Clearing Snow

Did you know that residents 60 and older can request assistance with clearing your sidewalks and front walkways this winter?

Did you know if you're 65 or a person with a disability you can request an exemption from the District's snow removal ordinance?

All residential and commercial property owners must remove snow/ice from the sidewalks around their property within the first eight hours of daylight after the storm ends.

The Department of Public Works enforces the “Winter Sidewalk Safety Rules,” by citing residential and commercial property owners who have not cleared their sidewalks within 24 hours after the storm ends. Residential property owners may be fined $25 and commercial property owners may be fined $150.

To get assistance, call Serve DC at 202-727-795 or read their frequently asked questions.

Residential property owners may be exempt from sidewalk shoveling enforcement if you live in your own home and are 65 years old and/or a person with a disability. Once approved, residents must apply every other year to the Department of Public Works to continue to receive the exemption. The current two-year exemption runs from January 1, 2021- December 31, 2022.

The deadline to apply is February 28, 2021. Residents who received an exemption in 2020 should reapply in 2022 to continue to receive this benefit.

To apply for your exemption go to Sidewalk Shoveling Exemption Form.