All owners of property with existing sidewalks
which abut any paved street shall upon 60 days' written notice from
the Council upgrade or repair their sidewalk or sidewalks so as to
conform to the regulations of this article. In the case of the failure
or neglect of any owner or owners of property to comply with said
notice to upgrade or repair a sidewalk and the requirements of this
article, the Borough Manager may cause the necessary work to be done
under his direction and the borough shall collect from the owner or
owners such cost, together with penalties provided by law and in the
manner provided by law.
[Amended 2-10-2016 by Ord. No. A-1026]
A. All sidewalks have such width, grade and location as may be established
by the Borough Manager. All sidewalks shall be constructed of concrete
or bricks approved by the Borough Manager. All sidewalks constructed
of concrete shall be four inches in thickness, except in driveway
approach areas where the thickness shall be six inches. The concrete
mix shall be as established by the Borough Manager from time to time.
Concrete for sidewalks shall be laid on a foundation of two to five
inches of 2A limestone, or equivalent, at the discretion of the Borough
Manager.
B. All sidewalks shall be constructed to keep the same grade and elevation
as any paved, concrete or brick driveway which interrupts the existing
sidewalk pathway so as not to impede the right-of-way of pedestrians.
C. Any paved, concrete or brick driveway which interrupts the existing
sidewalk pathway shall keep the same grade and elevation as the existing
sidewalk so as not to impede the right-of-way of pedestrians.
D. The outer edge of a sidewalk nearest the curb shall be laid at a
grade providing 1/2 inch per foot rise from the curb to the sidewalk,
and such grade shall continue across the sidewalk. Walks must be jointed
with false cracks every five feet. Additionally, approved expansion
joints must be placed not farther apart than 20 feet, and expansion
joints must be placed where sidewalks meet existing curbs, driveways,
sidewalks and steps leading to buildings. At all street intersections,
the sidewalks shall be produced to the curbline.
All sidewalks shall be kept in a safe and usable
condition by the owner or owners of the abutting property. The inspection
of sidewalks to determine their conditions shall be under the direction
of the Borough Manager and shall be inspected by him or by an employee
or employees designated by him. Whenever, in the judgment of the Borough
Manager, any sidewalk shall be in need of repair to make it safe and
usable, the Borough Manager shall cause a written notice to be given
to the owner or owners of the property abutting the sidewalk area
to be repaired. Said notice shall include a description of the repairs
to be made. The owner or owners to whom the notice is sent shall cause
the repairs to begin within 60 days from the date of said notice and
be completed within a reasonable time thereafter. In the event that
the owner or owners fails to have such repairs made, the borough may
do or cause such repairs to be made and collect the cost thereof from
the owner or owners in a manner and with the penalties provided by
law.
Repairs to sidewalks shall be made in accordance
with the requirements of this article for new sidewalks and specifications
established by the Borough Manager. When it becomes necessary in the
repair of any sidewalk to cut the roots of a tree located in the public
right-of-way, or in any manner to interfere with such tree, any work
on the trees and/or tree roots shall be done by the owner. The width
of the sidewalk shall be revised or altered when the regular width
interferes with any tree. The revised width shall be as determined
by the Borough Manager.
Any person or persons planning to construct,
repair or upgrade sidewalks shall make application for a sidewalk
permit. Such application must be filed with the Borough Manager. The
Borough Manager shall, within no less than five days, issue or deny
a permit. During the construction, repair or upgrade of sidewalks,
the abutting property owner shall employ proper barricades and warning
lights surrounding the areas where such work is taking place. Any
person or persons planning to construct, repair or upgrade sidewalks
shall comply with Americans with Disabilities Act.
The owner or owners of properties abutting sidewalks
shall at all times keep said sidewalks clear of all dirt, rubbish
and refuse matter, and open and unobstructed for use of the public.
In the event that the owner or owners fail to comply with this section,
the borough may cause the removal of such dirt, rubbish or refuse
matter and collect the costs thereof from the owner or owners in the
manner provided by law.
No person shall place any object or objects
on any borough sidewalk for more than 24 hours that interferes with
movement of pedestrian traffic or snow removal without first obtaining
written permission from the Borough Manager. In no event shall any
sidewalk be obstructed for a period of time in excess of seven days.
Any person, firm or corporation who shall violate
any provision of this article shall, upon conviction thereof, be sentenced
to pay a fine of not more than $300 plus costs and, in default of
payment of said fine and costs, to a term of imprisonment not to exceed
30 days. Each day that a violation of this article continues shall
constitute a separate offense.