[Sec. 8-4 of the Revised General Ordinances]
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
PAVED WALKWAY
Can be composed of an authorized material, to include, but not limited to, concrete.
SIDEWALK
A paved walkway for pedestrian traffic located along the side of a public street, whether in a commercial or residential area.
A. 
Sidewalks shall be installed as defined in the Land Use and Development Regulations of the Borough of Wharton Code.[2] If the applicant desires to appeal the installation of sidewalk requirement, he must do so as part of his application to the Planning Board. The applicant must prove that the installation of sidewalks would not be feasible nor would it be in conformity with the surrounding neighborhood; then, with the recommendation of the Borough Engineer, the Planning Board may waive the sidewalk requirement.
[2]
Editor's Note: See § 165-52O, Sidewalks.
B. 
All sidewalks must be composed of concrete. The Planning Board may approve, with the recommendation of the Borough Engineer, the installation of brick, stone or pavers for sidewalks, upon the request of the applicant during the application process.
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).
A. 
Every owner of land abutting upon or containing a sidewalk and/or a paved walkway shall be responsible for the proper maintenance of same and the cost of maintenance. The purpose of the required maintenance is to prevent or eliminate broken, raised, or uneven pavement or any other conditions, such as ice or snow, which would potentially cause a safety hazard for pedestrians.
(1) 
In cases where a sidewalk or a paved walkway appears to be raised or uneven due to the growth of tree roots which are in the Borough's right-of-way, the landowner must immediately notify the office of the Director of Public Works and provide the owner's name, address and the defect.
(2) 
If it is determined that the tree is a Borough tree and in the right-of-way, the Borough will remove the roots. Any reconstruction or repairs to the sidewalk will then be the obligation of the adjoining owner and at his expense.
(3) 
No property owner shall undertake any reconstruction or repairs for a sidewalk or paved walkway unless first obtaining a permit from the Zoning/Housing Official for same.
(4) 
No person shall construct or install a sidewalk or paved walkway along a public street on property not currently improved with sidewalks, except as authorized or required by other law or ordinance.
B. 
Hazardous conditions.
(1) 
Periodically during the course of the year the Borough may inspect sidewalks or paved walkways. If it is determined that a sidewalk or paved walkway is a hazard and in need of repair or replacement, the landowner will be notified in writing of the condition and be directed to make the repairs, which must be made within 30 days from receipt of said notice. In the event the property owner requires an extension of time, such request must be made in writing to the Road Opening Inspector. If the condition is deemed hazardous, then the request may be denied. However, in certain circumstances, the Road Opening Inspector may grant a reasonable time of extension.
(2) 
If repairs are not made within the allotted time period, the Borough may, at its discretion, make the repairs either through the Department of Public Works or outside contractor, and the cost of same shall be a lien on the property of the adjoining owner.
(3) 
The property owner will be placed on notice to make payment. In the event no payment is received within 60 days of the date of the notice, a lien shall be placed on the property for the cost incurred by the Borough.
(4) 
The Borough also maintains the right to issue a summons for failure to comply with this article.
C. 
All complaints, calls, etc. relative to sidewalks or paved walkways shall be directed to the office of the Director of the Department of Public Works, and the Director shall maintain a list of all complaints, requests, etc., noting the time and date of the calls, the location of the defective sidewalk, and action taken.
Application forms shall be obtained from the Zoning/Housing Inspector and shall contain a clear and definite description of the location of the new or replacement sidewalk. The fee for the application, which includes the inspection, shall be $35. This fee shall not be refundable.
Inspection shall be requested at least 24 hours in advance. It is understood that in some cases 24 hours' notice is not always practical; however, contractors will plan their work in a reasonable manner and will not make repeated requests for inspection of small amounts. Inspection fees have been established to provide for an inspection of a reasonable amount of construction.
Violation of any of the provisions of this article shall be punishable as provided in Chapter 1, General Provisions, Article I, General Penalty.
[1]
Editor's Note: Added at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).