The Department of Public Works (DPW) is responsible for enforcing the Winter Sidewalk Safety Act (WSSA), which requires District residents to remove snow and ice from the paved sidewalks, curb ramps, and curb cuts abutting their property after a snowstorm. Qualified residents who are disabled and/or 65 or older may receive an exemption from enforcement with an approved application.

The Sidewalk Shoveling Exemption Program (SSEP) exempts qualified residents from DPW enforcement for not removing snow and ice from their sidewalks within the first eight hours of daylight after a winter storm. Applications may be submitted year round. Once approved, the exemption is valid for two consecutive snow seasons, and residents must reapply every other year to maintain their exemption.

All indivudals approved for the exemption program will receive a certificate of acceptance from the Department of Public Works Solid Waste Education and Enforcement Program (SWEEP). Residents who were found ineligible in the previous cycle are required to reapply to be considered for the current exemption period. Applications submitted now will be reviewed for the next exemption cycle.

For additional questions related to this program and eligibility, see the FAQ.