Winter Weather FAQ

Expand/Contract Questions and Answers

Who is responsible for plowing my street?
All numbered roads in the City are state roads (MD 28, MD 117, MD 119, MD 124, and MD 355), cleared by the Maryland State Highway Administration. Streets in Gaithersburg that are the responsibility of Montgomery County include: Muddy Branch Road, Diamondback Drive, Fields Road, Goshen Road, and portions of Longdraft Road, Odend’hal Avenue and Game Preserve Road. Use the map locator at www.mdot.maryland.gov/knowyourroads.html to see who’s responsible for what.

Property owners or HOAs are responsible for private streets, alleys, driveways, parking lots, and entranceways.

Not sure if your street is within the Gaithersburg limits?
Find out if your street is within City limits using the GIS Map & App Gallery.
The City maintains my street. Where is the snow plow?
If you live on a City maintained road, please know that primary roads, such as Perry Parkway, South Summit Avenue and East Diamond Avenue, are the first to be cleared since they lead to state and county roads. Secondary roads, such as Rabbitt Road, Main Street and Victory Farms Drive, are the second to be plowed. Neighborhood roads are cleared next, and those with courts are last.

It takes about seven to eight hours to plow all City streets one time. Crews are working around the clock and will continue until all roads are clear. Thank you for your patience.
Who do I call?
- City Streets – snow@gaithersburgmd.gov or 301-258-6370
- County Streets – Call 311
- State Roads – Call 1-800-543-2515
I live in a new development in Gaithersburg? Will the City plow my street?
Snow plowing is the responsibility of the developer until the street has been officially turned over to the City of Gaithersburg for maintenance. It is the responsibility of the developer to post signs that read “Road Not Publicly Maintained” when this is the case. If you have questions, contact your HOA or snow@gaithersburgmd.gov.
What is a Snow Emergency Route?
Certain City streets are designated as Snow Emergency Routes. It is illegal to park on these roads during a declared snow emergency, which is communicated as far in advance as possible through local media outlets, Alert Gaithersburg, and the City’s web and social media sites. Cars parked in violation are subject to ticketing and towing at the owner’s expense. Keep in mind, some streets prohibit parking on one side of the road during a snow emergency, even though that street might not be designated a Snow Emergency Route.
Who is responsible for clearing sidewalks?
Residents and business owners are required to remove snow and ice from any public sidewalk abutting their property within 12 hours of the last precipitation. Thank you for your cooperation.
Who clears fire hydrants?
We ask that you help assist the fire department by marking the nearest hydrant to your home so emergency personnel can locate it if it gets buried during a snow storm. To further assist, please shovel out hydrants and keep them clear during and after a storm.
How do I report a fallen tree?
If a tree is down and live wires are involved, the tree is blocking a roadway, is on a structure, or someone is trapped, please call 911.

Otherwise, please report downed trees on public roads and property as follows:
- Gaithersburg residents call the Department of Public Works 301-258-6370 during business hours, Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. After hours please contact publicworks@gaithersburgmd.gov.
- Montgomery County residents call 311 (240-777-0311 from a cell phone) or file a report at www.MC311.com
Is there a list of volunteers who can help shovel snow?
The City does not maintain such a list. We encourage our residents to help each other. If your neighbor is elderly or disabled, you can assist them by clearing their sidewalks and checking on them during storms.
Should I put my recycling out?
During weather events it is best to hold your recycling materials until your next regularly scheduled pick-up day. This will help ensure that roadways are clear for snow removal crews and will help prevent your bins from being damaged.

If recycling services are cancelled this will be noted on our website & on Recycle Coach. Please check our website frequently for updates and follow us on Facebook and Twitter @GburgMD.

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Who is responsible for plowing my street?

The City maintains my street. Where is the snow plow?

Who do I call?

I live in a new development in Gaithersburg? Will the City plow my street?

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Who is responsible for clearing sidewalks?

Who clears fire hydrants?

How do I report a fallen tree?

Is there a list of volunteers who can help shovel snow?

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