[Amended 8-9-2021 by Ord. No. 3572-21]
Every owner, occupant or person having charge and control of property in the Borough of Rutherford on any street that is opened shall maintain and be responsible for the proper upkeep of that part of the street between the property line and the curb which abuts the property, including corner areas adjacent to corner lots, whether within or without the property line, and such upkeep shall include the proper maintenance and repair of the sidewalk.
A.
Exception. If a municipally owned street tree is determined to be a contributing factor to a lifted or heaved sidewalk, prior to conducting the repair, the abutting property owner may submit a request to the Borough for contribution to the cost of repair of those sidewalk panels impacted. By separate resolution, the Borough will establish a per-panel contribution reimbursement intended to represent 50% of the cost of replacing a sidewalk panel, which resolution may be amended from time to time to reflect changes in costs. For purposes of this section, a panel shall be a four-linear-foot section of sidewalk. Requests for reimbursement shall identify the physical location of the tree and the affected sidewalk, the name and contact information for the owner of the abutting property who is responsible for the affected sidewalk, and repair cost estimates. Requests for reimbursement shall be administered on a first-come-first-served basis, subject to funding being available.
B.
Determination. Upon proper notice given by an abutting property owner, the Borough's designated enforcement officer shall decide as to whether the shade tree is a contributing factor and, if so, the number of sidewalk panels impacted. The Borough's designated enforcement officer may consult with the Borough Engineer in making this determination.
C.
In no event shall the Borough be obligated to make any contribution if the Borough does not have funds that have been set aside for this purpose.