All sidewalks, curbs, areas between the curb and sidewalk, and
private driveways within the area of the public right-of-way, shall
be maintained in good repair, safe condition, and reasonably even
and free from all hazardous depressions, irregularities, and projections
by the owner of the abutting property. Any block or section of curb
or sidewalk or driveway that is cracked or disintegrated so as to
present an unreasonable hazard must be repaired or replaced by the
owner of the abutting property. All new construction and repairs must
conform to the specifications and other provisions of this article.
The owner of the abutting property must keep:
A. The sidewalk, the curb, the area between the curb and the sidewalk,
and private driveways within the area of the public right-of-way free
and clear of vegetation (except grass between curb and paved sidewalk),
trash or rubbish, and all other obstructions; and
B. The space above the sidewalk free and clear of any growth or projection
of any kind to a height of at least eight feet. After the adoption
of this article no trees, shrubs, nor bushes shall be planted between
the curb and sidewalk.
The width of all sidewalks constructed after the effective date
of this article shall be at least as wide as the greater of: four
feet; or widest sidewalk to which the subject sidewalk connects. All
blocks of sidewalks and sections of curb must be laid to line up with
blocks or sections on both ends to which they abut or connect.
The owner of the abutting property shall be responsible that
all utility vents and boxes placed within the sidewalk are level with
the sidewalk and kept in good repair so as not to present an unreasonable
hazard. In regard to new building construction, no utility vents,
or boxes, nor any kind of device may be placed within the paved sidewalk.
The owner shall be responsible for the removal of snow and ice within
24 hours after a storm.
All sidewalks, curbs, private driveway aprons within the area
of the public right-of-way, and any paved area between the curb and
sidewalk, constructed or repaired after the effective date of this
article must be constructed of concrete in accordance with the following
specifications:
A. Concrete sidewalks shall be constructed at a minimum of four inches
thick, a minimum of six inches thick in driveway areas and shall have
a minimum strength of 3,500 pounds per square inch. Joints shall be
continuous both longitudinally and transversely. Joint filler shall
be premolded strips of bituminous-treated fiber one-half inch thick.
Expansion joints shall be provided when necessary approximately every
32 feet.
B. Concrete sidewalks shall be constructed at a minimum slope of 1/4
inch per foot in the direction of the street in order to provide proper
drainage.
C. Concrete curb shall be 20 inches deep, seven inches wide at the top,
eight inches wide at the bottom and shall have a batter of one inch
from the top of the curbing to the surface of the street. Curbing
shall be constructed in ten-foot lengths and a suitable joint shall
be used every 10 feet with an expansion joint every 40 feet. All curbing
shall have a minimum strength of 3,500 pounds per square inch.
The grade of all sidewalks constructed or replaced after the
effective date of this article shall conform to the established line
and grade of the Township street on which it abuts.
Upon failure of any property owner to grade, excavate, construct,
pave, repave, or repair the curb and/or sidewalk and/or driveway abutting
owner's property for more than 30 days after notice to do so
by Board of Supervisors, said Board shall have the right to permanently
grade, excavate, construct, pave, repave, and repair, and repair the
same as the case may be, in accordance with the provisions of this
article, and collect the costs thereof with the penalty of 10% added
plus all charges and expenses from the owner of said property in the
manner provided by law including the filing of a municipal lien and/or
a suit in assumpsit.
The notice provided for in this article shall be served:
A. On the owner of the property if a resident of the Township, or if
the owner is not a resident of the Township, then upon the agent or
tenant of the owner or the occupant of the property by personal service
within the Township.
B. If no such person described in Subsection
A can be found within the Township, then by certified mail directed to the last known address of any such person and by posting upon the property by the Township Building Inspector.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, association, or corporation,
whether as owner or contractor or otherwise, to construct, repair,
or begin to construct or repair any curb or sidewalk or driveway unless
a permit shall first be secured from the Township Building Inspector.
The fee for a curb or sidewalk or driveway permit shall be $10 per
property and must be paid at the time when application is made. A
separate permit shall be required for the construction or repair of
a curb or construction or repair of a sidewalk. Every permit issued
hereunder shall be conditioned on faithful compliance with all provisions
of Township Ordinances.
[Amended 6-9-1996 by Ord. No. 132]
Any person who violates or permits a violation of this article
shall, upon being found liable therefor in a civil enforcement proceeding
commenced by the Township before a Magisterial District Judge, pay
the maximum amount authorized by the provisions of 53 P.S. §
66601(c.1), plus all court costs, including reasonable attorney's
fees, incurred by the Township in the enforcement of this article.