Baltimore Issues 224 Citations for Unshoveled Sidewalks Following Jan. 25 Storm

Baltimore’s Department of Housing and Community Development issued 224 citations for unshoveled sidewalks between Feb. 2 and Feb. 5, the city said, moving from an initial period of leniency to routine enforcement after a Jan. 25 storm that dropped nearly eight inches of snow. The sweep followed a mayoral announcement that fines would be imposed on homeowners and businesses that failed to clear sidewalks and parking spots.

The storm triggered school closures and city snow-removal operations, and officials urged residents to move cars from emergency snow routes to allow agency crews to work. Icy conditions in some neighborhoods made clearing difficult; bus stops and sidewalks piled with snow forced commuters to walk in the street and left some blocks with unplowed roads, mail delays, and missed trash pickups more than a week later.

Jonas Poggi, spokesperson for the mayor’s office, said, “Given the conditions, we exercised some leniency immediately following the storm, but we have been moving forward with normal enforcement measures beginning this week.” Other city officials directed transportation inspectors to issue citations as part of that enforcement push. WJZ has reached out to the Department of Transportation to see if they issued any fines for unshoveled parking spots.

Enforcement carries monetary penalties. “The fines start at $50 for residents and $100 for business owners,” reports said, while other accounts noted different language on caps and minimums. “Citations can come with fines of up to $100 for businesses and $50 for homeowners.” WMAR reported that “the citation comes with a fine that can be up to $100.” City code sets standards for safe sidewalks: “Sidewalks must be shoveled and salted to create a clear path that is at least 2-feet-wide,” and “city code mandates that snow and ice be removed within three hours after snowfall ends. If the snow stops between 3 p.m. and 6 a.m., sidewalks must be cleared by 11 a.m. the following morning.” The city also reminded residents not to dump snow into bike lanes.

The city offers assistance and remedies for vulnerable residents. “If you need help clearing away the snow in the city, call 311. Volunteers have answered the mayor’s call to take part in the Baltimore City Snow Corps to help neighbors in need of assistance.” Older adults who receive citations after submitting a 311 request can contact the Environmental Control Board to seek a waiver.

The Baltimore approach contrasts with at least one other Maryland jurisdiction, where officials temporarily suspended fines after the same storm. For Baltimore residents, the immediate implications are practical: clear sidewalks to meet the 2-foot path requirement and avoid fines, call 311 if you need help, and track any Environmental Control Board action if you already requested assistance. Reporters have sought confirmation from the Department of Transportation on parking spot citations and further details on how the 224 notices were distributed across neighborhoods; those are outstanding follow-ups that will shape understanding of enforcement patterns and equity as the city continues snow recovery.