Sidewalks and Snow: Uplands Owner Responsibilities

Woke up to a fresh snowfall and wondered if you or the city are supposed to clear the sidewalk in front of your place in Uplands? You are not alone. When snow hits Covington, the rules about who maintains sidewalks and streets can feel confusing. In this guide, you will learn who typically maintains what, what you are commonly asked to do after a storm, and how to report hazards so everyone can get around safely. Let’s dive in.

Who maintains what in Uplands

Understanding who owns or maintains a street or sidewalk is the first step. In Virginia, responsibility is divided between the state transportation agency and local governments. Private streets and walkways can also fall under an association or property owner.

State vs. local in Virginia

Virginia’s Department of Transportation (VDOT) maintains state roadways, including primary routes and many secondary roads that are part of the state system. Localities maintain the streets and sidewalks they own or have accepted into local maintenance. That means some streets near Uplands are state maintained, while others are handled by the local government.

Covington’s local context

Covington is an independent city. Inside and around the city, maintenance may be split between the City of Covington and VDOT, depending on whether the road is on the state system. Sidewalks along municipal streets are generally handled by the city’s public works when they are city owned, while sidewalks along state routes or in certain areas may involve VDOT. Always verify the status for your specific block.

Private and HOA areas

If you live on a private street or inside a community with an association, the HOA or property owner usually maintains private sidewalks and paths. Check your HOA documents or ask the board or property manager if you are unsure.

Your sidewalk duties after snow

Virginia does not have a single statewide law that requires every owner to shovel sidewalks. Many localities adopt their own rules with a time window for clearing snow and ice. If you live in Uplands, check the City of Covington code or call City Hall to see what applies to your block and what time frame is expected after a storm.

Even if there is no ordinance that applies to your property, you are often asked to clear the sidewalk along your frontage to help keep walkways passable. This helps neighbors, delivery drivers, and anyone using mobility aids.

Why it still matters

Beyond being a good neighbor, you want to reduce the risk of slips and injuries. Liability can depend on many factors, but safe, passable walkways are a common community expectation. Clearing and treating your sidewalk promptly is a practical step to reduce hazards.

How to check who is responsible

Use these quick steps to confirm responsibility for a specific street or sidewalk segment in Uplands:

• Pinpoint the exact spot. Note the street address or the closest intersection and which side of the street the sidewalk sits on.
• Check the state system. VDOT tools and local residency offices can confirm if a road is state maintained. If it is, VDOT handles the roadway and often snow operations on that route.
• Call City Public Works or City Hall. Ask whether the sidewalk segment is city owned and who maintains it during winter events.
• Review HOA documents. If your home is in an association, check governing documents or contact the board to see who maintains private sidewalks and paths.
• Look for physical clues. State route numbers, distinct curb styles, or signage can hint at state control, but you should still confirm with city or VDOT staff.

Report hazards quickly

When you see a dangerous condition, reporting it with clear details helps crews prioritize and respond.

Who to contact

• City of Covington Public Works or City Hall for municipal streets, sidewalks, and code enforcement inside city limits.
• VDOT for hazards on state maintained routes, including icy conditions at crosswalks along state roads.
• Alleghany County if the problem is outside city limits in the adjacent county area.
• Your HOA or property manager for private streets, private sidewalks, or shared paths inside a community.

If you are unsure, start with the City of Covington main line and ask to be directed to Public Works or Code Enforcement. You can also contact VDOT’s customer service channels. Many offices accept both phone and online reports.

What to include in a report

• Exact location, including address or intersection, side of the street, and direction
• Clear description of the hazard such as drifted snow, packed ice, blocked curb ramp, or downed tree
• Photos, time stamped if possible
• Whether the hazard affects school routes, bus stops, or access for people with disabilities or older adults
• Your contact information in case a follow up is needed

Keep any confirmation or ticket numbers for your records.

Track and escalate if needed

If a serious hazard is not addressed, document your calls and submissions. For urgent danger to pedestrians or motorists, contact emergency services. For ongoing issues, ask for a supervisor at the city or the VDOT residency office.

Smart de icing and safety tips

• Shovel early and often. It is easier to clear before snow compacts into ice.
• Focus on access points. Keep curb ramps, crosswalk entries, mailboxes, and bus stop approaches clear.
• Use the right products. Salt is common, but it can affect vegetation. If you want to protect landscaping, use sand for traction or choose plant friendly de icers labeled for that use.
• Spread thin, not thick. More salt is not always better. Thin, even coverage works best and reduces runoff.
• Create traction on ice. Use sand or kitty litter to improve footing until temperatures rise.
• Watch refreeze. Sun melt can refreeze overnight. Re treat slick areas in the evening if needed.

Neighborhood best practices

• Coordinate with neighbors. Team up to clear bus stop paths, school routes, and shared corners first.
• Check on neighbors who may need help. Offer to clear a walkway for someone who is older, has limited mobility, or is out of town.
• Keep storm drains open. Clear drains near your curb so meltwater can flow and reduce refreeze.
• Document and share. If you volunteer to clear a shared area, note the date and location so the HOA or city knows it has been addressed.

When agencies prioritize routes

Plow crews usually focus on major routes first. Neighborhood sidewalks and smaller crosswalks can be lower on the list. That is why residents are often asked to clear the sidewalk adjacent to their homes when they can safely do so. When in doubt about a particular location, confirm with the City of Covington or VDOT.

Key takeaways

• Responsibility depends on ownership. City streets and sidewalks are handled locally, while state routes are VDOT’s domain. Private or HOA areas are maintained by the owner or association.
• You may be required to shovel. Many localities have ordinances. Check the City of Covington code or call City Hall for the rule and time frame that applies to your block.
• Report hazards with precision. Provide the exact location, a clear description, and photos. Keep your ticket number for follow up.
• Safety matters most. Clear curb ramps, crosswalks, and bus stop access to help everyone move safely.

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FAQs

Who maintains sidewalks after snow in Uplands, Covington?

• It depends on ownership. The City of Covington maintains municipal sidewalks and local streets it owns, VDOT handles state maintained routes, and private or HOA areas are the owner or association’s responsibility.

Are homeowners legally required to shovel in Covington?

• Virginia has no single statewide rule. Many localities adopt their own ordinances. Check the City of Covington code or call City Hall to confirm what applies to your property and the time window after a storm.

Who should I call about an icy crosswalk on a state route near Uplands?

• Report it to VDOT and also inform City Public Works. Provide the exact location, photos, and a clear description of the hazard.

What details help when reporting a snow or ice hazard?

• Share the address or intersection, side of the street, direction, a short description of the condition, photos, and whether it affects access for people with disabilities, older adults, or school routes.

What de icing products are best for sidewalks by my home?

• Use de icers as labeled, apply lightly, and consider sand for traction if you want to minimize impact on vegetation. Recheck areas at night to prevent refreeze.