Who Plows My Street, and Do I Have to Shovel My Sidewalk? Snow Rules in Kent & Sussex County, Delaware
Why DelDOT skips some streets, how subdivisions get plowed, how fast Dover, Milford and Smyrna require sidewalks cleared, and how to hire snow removal.
Updated 2026-10-24. First State Home Link is a free referral service operated by Doorstep Digital (Milford, Delaware). We are not a contractor and do not perform any work ourselves. We connect homeowners in Sussex and Kent counties with independent local service providers, who set their own prices and are responsible for their own work. We are not affiliated with DelDOT or any town government; confirm details with them directly.
Quick answer
DelDOT plows state-maintained roads. Your town plows town streets. Privately maintained subdivision streets are plowed by whoever the HOA or civic association hires, and communities with state-maintained streets can get part of that cost back through DelDOT's Snow Removal Reimbursement Program. Sidewalks are your job in most towns: Dover and Smyrna give you 24 hours after the snow stops, and Milford gives 12 hours of daylight.
Sidewalk deadlines by town
- Dover: 24 hours after snowfall ends, then keep it clear; $50 fine after a written notice (Dover Code Sec. 98-12).
- Milford: no more than 12 hours of daylight after it stops snowing; $100 to $500 fine (Milford City Code Sec. 197-5).
- Smyrna: 24 hours after snow stops falling or ice stops forming (Smyrna Code Sec. 58-107).
- Other towns, including Georgetown, Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Milton, Seaford, Laurel and Millsboro, set their own rules. Call town hall or check the town code.
Hiring help for the driveway and walks
Book early: many providers fill seasonal contracts before the first storm and serve contract customers first. Get a written quote that says what depth triggers a visit, whether walks, steps and the plow-bank at the end of the driveway are included, and whether salting costs extra. Ask for proof of insurance and check their Delaware business license. Ready to hire? See our snow removal page to get connected with a local provider. If the furnace quits during a storm, see heating help.
Sources: DelDOT snow FAQ, DelDOT Snow Removal Reimbursement Program FAQ, Dover Ordinance 2025-05, City of Milford Streets & Sidewalks.
Common questions
Who plows my street in Kent or Sussex County?
It depends on who maintains the road. DelDOT maintains most roads in Delaware and plows state-maintained roads, starting with primary routes like SR 1, US 13 and Route 404, then secondary and local roads. Towns and cities plow the streets they maintain, and DelDOT does not plow privately maintained subdivision streets.
Why hasn't my development been plowed?
If your subdivision's streets are privately maintained, the HOA, civic association or maintenance corporation has to hire a plow contractor. If the streets are state-maintained and the community is in DelDOT's Snow Removal Reimbursement Program, the community hires its own contractor and DelDOT reimburses part of the cost. DelDOT only plows state-maintained subdivision streets that are not in the program, and only after larger accumulations (4 or 6 inches, depending on location).
How do I find out if my road is state-maintained?
Search your road on the DelDOT Gateway map, or call DelDOT Community Relations at 302-760-2080. If you live inside town limits, check with your town or city first.
How can our HOA get help paying for snow plowing?
Communities with state-maintained streets can apply to DelDOT's Snow Removal Reimbursement Program, which reimburses civic associations for a major portion of the cost of hiring a private snow removal contractor. Snowfalls under 4 inches in suburban developments aren't reimbursed. Call the program at 302-760-2085 or email dot.srrp@delaware.gov to check whether your development qualifies.
Do I have to shovel my sidewalk in Dover?
Yes. Dover's code (Sec. 98-12) requires the owner, occupant or person in control of a property to clear abutting sidewalks of snow and ice within 24 hours after the snowfall ends and keep them clear. A property still not cleared 24 hours after a written notice faces a $50 fine.
What about Milford and Smyrna?
Milford's code (Sec. 197-5) says snow or ice may not stay on a sidewalk abutting your property for longer than 12 hours of daylight after it stops snowing; violations can bring a $100 to $500 fine. Smyrna's code (Sec. 58-107) gives owners 24 hours after the snow stops falling or ice stops forming. Other towns set their own rules, so check with your town hall.
Can I push snow into the street?
Generally no. Dover and other Delaware communities prohibit clearing snow onto roadways or gutters. Pile it on your own property instead, away from storm drains and fire hydrants.
I can't shovel, or I'll be away. What should I do?
The rules still apply, so arrange for someone to do it. A seasonal or per-storm snow removal provider can clear the sidewalk along with the driveway; ask for it in the written quote. Renters should check their lease, since some leases put sidewalk clearing on the tenant.