The Storm in Progress Doctrine: What Richmond Businesses Need to Know
When are you legally required to clear snow from your commercial property? Virginia courts have established the "storm in progress" doctrine to answer this question.
The Basic Principle
Virginia law generally holds that property owners have a duty to clear ice and snow within a "reasonable time" after the storm ends—but not necessarily during the storm.
Key Case: Amos v. NationsBank
The Virginia courts have historically held that businesses are not required to continuously clear snow while it's actively falling. However, they must act with reasonable promptness once conditions permit.
The Modern Reality: Zero Tolerance
While the legal standard is "reasonable time after the storm," modern business expectations have shifted toward zero-tolerance snow management. Here's why:
- Customer Expectations: Retail customers expect clear parking lots immediately
- Operational Continuity: Businesses can't wait hours for clearing
- Liability Concerns: Even if legally protected during the storm, a slip-and-fall creates exposure
How Professional Snow Management Protects You
Documentation is Your Best Defense
Evergreen Plowing provides GPS-tracked service logs showing:
- ✓ When the contractor arrived and departed
- ✓ What areas were cleared
- ✓ Weather conditions at time of service
- ✓ Materials applied and quantities used
This documentation is critical evidence if you face a slip-and-fall claim.