Albemarle County Snow Removal Information 

Clearing Albemarle County roads and sidewalks of snow and ice is a difficult process that takes time, hard work, and partnership between the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), the County, and residents and business owners. To maintain safe pathways during snow events, VDOT clears snow from public roads, the County clears snow from County buildings sites and County parking lots, and residents and business owners play their part as well, by clearing privately owned sidewalks. 

Public Streets 

VDOT is responsible for removing snow and ice from the many miles of public roads (interstate, primary and secondary) in Albemarle County. Clearing is done on a priority basis, with interstates and high-volume roads cleared first. Public roadways can typically be identified by a route number sign posted at street intersections. Once the most heavily traveled roads and emergency routes are adequately clear, snow crews move to less-traveled roads and subdivisions. Please contact VDOT online or at 1-800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623), TTY 711, for additional information. 

Other Streets 

If a street within a residential or business/commercial complex is not posted with a state route number, it is a private street that is the responsibility of the homeowner/condominium association, property management company, or property owners to clear. Please contact your association or the property manager for information regarding snow removal. 

If streets in newly built subdivisions or subdivisions that are still under construction are not yet posted with state route numbers, they may still be under bond and are the responsibility of the developer or builder to clear. For information regarding subdivisions that are under bond, please contact the Community Development Department (CDD) at CDDinquiry@albemarle.org.  

County Facilities 

The County has limited staff and equipment to dedicate to snow removal and removes snow only from facilities and buildings the County owns and operates including County schools, County office buildings, Jefferson Madison Regional Libraries located in the County, and County fire stations.  For information regarding snow removal at these facilities contact the Albemarle County Facilities & Environmental Services (FES) department at FESinquiry@albemarle.org. 

Walkways 

Neither VDOT nor the County has the capacity to clear snow and ice from public walkways (sidewalks or trails).  

Virginia does not have a statewide law requiring snow removal from public walkways or sidewalks. Instead, it is up to the discretion of the individual cities and counties to pass such ordinances. Albemarle County does not currently have an ordinance obligating residents to clear snow from public sidewalks and walkways on their property. 

While not legally obligated, residents and businesses are urged to help keep sidewalks safe, when possible, by clearing snow off the sidewalks in front of their property so that all pedestrians, especially school children, those with disabilities, and the elderly, may walk securely. 

Homeowner associations may require members of their communities to clear the private walkways abutting their property. Please contact your association or property manager for further information. 

City of Charlottesville 

The City of Charlottesville Department of Public Works manages snow removal for City roadways, City owned sidewalks, the Downtown Pedestrian Mall, City municipal parking lots, and City public school facilities. Please contact the City of Charlottesville Department of Public Works online or at 434-970-3301 for additional information concerning snow removal within the City.  Per City code, property owners are required to remove snow from their sidewalks within 24 hours of the end of snowfall. 

Tips Regarding Shoveling Snow & Clearing Hydrants 

Shovel Your Sidewalks 

Be a good neighbor and clear the sidewalk in front of and alongside your home/business following the end of the snowstorm. Do not plow, shovel, or blow snow from your own property onto the street. Pile the snow onto your own yard. 

Shoveling Sidewalks in School Walk Zones 

Keeping sidewalks clear of snow helps to promote public safety by giving pedestrians, including school children, a safe place to walk, keeping them out of the street following a snowfall. 

Clear Fire Hydrants 

Firefighters need to be able to quickly locate fire hydrants, to protect lives and property. You can help by clearing a three-foot radius around hydrants near your home or business. 

Emergency Exits 

Businesses should take steps to clear the snow from emergency exits. 

Clear Snow from Decks 

Snow is heavy and can put a great deal of strain on decks. If you can safely shovel the snow from your deck, do so. 

Clear Storm Drains 

After a large snow event, as the temperatures increase, the potential for flooding exists. Make sure that the snow is cleared from storm drains to prevent pooling and flooding that may result from melting snow. 

Be Safe 

Avoid injury and over exertion by pacing yourself and taking frequent breaks to rest, gently stretch your back, arms and legs. Be careful when shoveling snow, clearing ice, pushing a car, or similar activities.