Snow and Ice Removal

Mission

DDOT, in conjunction with the Department of Public Works (DPW) and other District agencies, shall coordinate the removal of snow and ice from during snow events, in order to maintain the safety of the District's transportation infrastructure and public space during snow events and snow emergencies. (DDOT Establishment Act, D.C. Code § 50-921.04).

DDOT shall strive to minimize the impacts of snow management and removal practices on the environment. (DDOT Design and Engineering Manual, p. 33-9).

Procedures & Services

Public safety determines the priority for snow removal in the District. Clearing and salting efforts focus first on major roads, commuter thoroughfares, and designated Snow Emergency Routes. Streets that are narrow, steep, or shaded receive special attention, as do those streets scheduled for next-day trash collection. 

Residents may request the removal of snow and treatment of ice on streets by calling the Mayor's Citywide Call Center at 311, or complete a service request using 311 Online. 

• District Snow Team
• District Snow Deployment Standards
• Contractor Deployment Standards

Snow Emergency Map

• Snow Emergency Route List (DCMR 18-4024)
• Energy Savings Initiatives - Snow Removal Techniques

Department Energy Savings Initiatives

Responsibilities of the Federal Government

The federal government, specifically, the National Park Service (NPS), has a statutory duty to remove snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to buildings owned or leased by the federal government. (D.C. Code § 9-601, 603).

Responsibilities of Residents and Private Property Owners

Residents, owners, and other occupants of private property are responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks and intersections that are in front of, adjacent to, or abut their property. (D.C. Code § 9-601). This includes fire hydrants and bus stops.

Sidewalk Snow Clearing Responsibilities – Residents and Private Property Owners

• Sidewalk Shoveling Exemption

Snow Emergency Routes Parking and Towing

When a snow emergency is declared, any vehicles parked along designated snow emergency routes must be relocated immediately. If a vehicle is not relocated from a snow emergency route, DPW will tow the car. (DCMR 18-4024).

• DDOT Snow Emergency Vehicle Towing Policy

Snow and Ice Removal at Sidewalk Intersections

It is prohibited to pile snow or ice at pedestrian crosswalks, sidewalk corners, and ADA ramps at intersections. Snow should be piled between the crosswalk and the first parking space, and no more than 25 feet from the crosswalk.

DDOT Snow Clearing Diagram 

See Related

• Page:
  Snow and Ice Removal (Compendium)
• Page:
  Sidewalk Cafes (Compendium)
• Page:
  Sidewalks (Compendium)
• Page:
  Pedestrian Access and Safety (Compendium)
• Page:
  Parklets (Compendium)
• Page:
  Emergencies (Compendium)