Check the Map First

When it snows, we all want the same thing: safe roads, cleared sidewalks, and zero “why is my street the last one?” mystery.

Here’s the secret: Snow removal responsibility in Morris Farm depends on street ownership, not just home style. And the fastest way to know who’s responsible is to check the Morris Farm Snow Removal Map (PDF). 

Step 1: Check the Snow Removal Map (before you shovel your feelings)

On the map legend you’ll see:

  • HOA Responsibility (yellow = streets / orange = sidewalk)
  • VDOT Responsibility (shown on the map legend). VDOT has a web tool that shows the status of plowing in northern Virginia neighborhoods. The webpage at www.vdotplows.org  activates when two or more inches have accumulated.

So:

  • If your street is blue: VDOT plows the roadway on their schedule.
  • If your street is yellow: the HOA’s contractor plows the roadway.
  • If your sidewalk is orange: the HOA addresses that sidewalk area (common-area sidewalks shown in orange on the map).

Step 2: Why street parking turns snow removal into “Plow: The Obstacle Course Edition”

Plows are big. Streets are only so wide. And a plow can’t politely squeeze past cars like it’s parallel parking at Target.

Plows need a clear lane to make full passes.

When cars are parked along the street during a storm:

  • Plows have to weave around them
  • Snow gets left behind in strips and patches
  • Clearing takes longer for everyone
  • Emergency access can be impacted

Parking request during snow events (aka: help us help you)

When snow is forecasted or plowing is expected:

  • Park in your driveway/garage whenever possible
  • Avoid parking on streets, especially in narrow areas, corners, and cul-de-sacs
  • If on-street parking is unavoidable, keep vehicles to one side to preserve a full plow lane

Think of it like this: if the plow can’t make one clean pass, nobody gets the “freshly plowed street” experience.

Step 3: Quick FAQ (because we know what’s coming)

“But I live in a townhome/courtyard/single-family, who plows my area?”
Check the map. Home type is a clue sometimes, but the map is the decoder.

“Why does it look like a plow missed my street?”
Often it’s one of these:

  • Your street is VDOT and it’s not yet at that stage of their route. VDOT has a web tool that shows the status of plowing in northern Virginia neighborhoods. The webpage at www.vdotplows.org  activates when two or more inches have accumulated.
  • Parked cars prevented a full pass
  • The plow made a first pass and will return after accumulation increases

“Does the HOA plow all sidewalks?”
Only sidewalks marked orange on the map, which are specific common area sidewalks are HOA responsibility. Sidewalks in front of your home, typically are the responsibility of the homeowner to clear.

The bottom line

If you only remember two things:

  1. Use the Snow Removal Map first (it clears up 90% of questions). It’s linked here: Snow Removal Map (PDF) 
  2. Street parking slows plowing down, please keep roads as clear as possible during storms.