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Township of Swatara, PA
Lebanon County
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
[Ord. 2017-01, 1/12/2017]
The Township shall require owners of property abutting on any street, including state highways, to construct, pave, repave and keep in good repair the sidewalk, curb and gutter along such property, at such grades and under such regulations as may be prescribed by this Part.
[Ord. 2017-01, 1/12/2017]
Where sidewalks or curbs are to be constructed, paved, repaved or repaired over coal cellars or other excavations, such sidewalks shall be supported by iron or steel beams, girders, stone or concrete arches. Any support of wood or perishable material shall be prohibited.
[Ord. 2017-01, 1/12/2017]
All sidewalks, curbs and gutters shall be constructed, paved, repaved, or repaired upon the line and grade obtained by the property owner from the Township Engineer.
[Ord. 2017-01, 1/12/2017]
Notice to construct, pave, repave and repair sidewalks, curbs or gutters shall be given by regular and certified mail to abutting property owners, and such owners shall have 60 days to comply with said notice in conformity with any construction specifications prescribed by ordinance. For sufficient cause, this time limit may be extended.
[Ord. 2017-01, 1/12/2017]
At any time during the performance of the required work, the Township Engineer or his designee may inspect the work to determine whether construction specifications are being observed.
[Ord. 2017-01, 1/12/2017]
Upon failure of any property owner to construct, pave, repave or maintain any sidewalk, curb or gutter in compliance with notice to do so or for failure to repair damage done to Township streets, the Township may do the same or cause the same to be done and may levy the cost of its work on such owner as a municipal lien, including attorneys' fees and costs, to be collected in the manner provided by law.
[Ord. 2017-01, 1/12/2017]
Where, in the opinion of the Road Master or his designated agent, a dangerous condition exists that can be repaired, the Township shall send such property owner notice by certified mail or personal service stating emergency repairs are required. Upon failure of such owner to comply with the notice within 48 hours after receiving it, the Township may make emergency repairs and levy the cost of its work and 10% additional on such owner as a property lien to be collected in the manner provided by law.
[Ord. 2017-01, 1/12/2017]
Any property owner who intends to construct, pave, repave or keep in repair sidewalks, curbs or gutters, may construct, pave, repave or repair the sidewalk, curb and gutter abutting his property; provided, such owner shall make application to the Township before commencing work, shall have paid all fees and costs, shall conform to the provisions of this Part and other regulations as to specifications for construction and repair work and shall notify the Township prior to the placing of any concrete so that compliance with the requirements of this Part may be determined. Permits shall be valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. Permits may be extended on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Township provided that such a request has been made prior to the expiration of the original permit.
[Ord. 2017-01, 1/12/2017]
Each applicant shall pay a permit fee in an amount as established and set forth in a resolution adopted by Swatara Township.
[Ord. 2017-01, 1/12/2017]
1. 
Newly constructed or replaced sidewalks and curbs must be of concrete construction and meet the following specifications:
A. 
Curbs. Vertical curbs shall be a minimum of six inches wide; no less than 18 inches depth; on no less than four inches base, of PennDOT-approved 2A or 2B or 2RC quarry stone; an expansion joint no less than every four feet and no greater than every 20 feet; from road surface to top of curb, no less than six inches and no greater than eight inches; test strength of 3,500 pounds after 28 days of hardness, mixed in accordance with standard practices; a straight street-side face; entire curb front and rear faces shall be formed, shall be straight and without warp; all edges shall be rounded; curing compound applied according to manufacturer's recommendations between 24 hours and 48 hours after stripping of forms. Curbing repairs must match existing curbing in style and composition.
B. 
Sidewalks. Minimum of four feet in width or when abutting existing sidewalk, the said line of the new or replacement sidewalk shall conform to the line of the existing conditions; not less than four inches in thickness; a four-inch base of hand- or mechanical-tamped, PennDOT-approved 2A, 2B or 2RC quarry stone; an expansion joint utilizing a Township Engineer-approved material no less than every four feet and no greater than every 20 feet or where the installation of new concrete abuts existing concrete; control joints shall be placed at a minimum of four feet and evenly spaced thereafter; sloped towards street or cartway for proper drainage; test strength of 3,500 pounds after 28 days of hardness mixed in accordance with standard practices; broom-type finish; all edges shall be rounded to a minimum radius of no less than 1/2 inch, curing compound applied according to manufacturer's recommendations.
C. 
Variation. Variation in excess of 1/4 inch from Township-provided line and grade shall be sufficient for rejection of work.
D. 
Weather Protection. Concrete poured for curb and sidewalk must be protected from drying too rapidly in warm weather and from freezing in cold weather by appropriate precautions in accordance with the most current American Concrete Institute recommendations.
E. 
Restoration. The property owner shall restore all damage to the street, if any, to its previous condition in accordance with this Part.
F. 
Accessibility Requirements. All work shall conform to the most current standards as set forth by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.
[Ord. 2017-01, 1/12/2017]
All curbs or sidewalks along state highways shall be constructed in accordance with PennDOT requirements and procedures, including the obtaining of any required permit.
[Ord. 2017-01, 1/12/2017]
All property owners, persons, firms or corporations, while engaged either by themselves or by their contractors, in doing any work under the provisions of this Part, shall fully protect the work, openings and excavations, if any, in, upon or about said work, and conduct all activities in accordance with all federal and state regulations.
[Ord. 2017-01, 1/12/2017]
Any person violating the provisions of this Part shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $1,000 together with costs of prosecution, including attorneys' fees, and/or imprisonment of not more than 90 days. Each day of violation of this Part shall be a separate violation.