This article was funded by LebTown donors as part of our Civic Impact Reporting Project.
The North Lebanon Township Board of Supervisors in January implemented Ordinance #1-2023 concerning sidewalks and curbing in the township. Here’s a more in-depth look.
The ordinance requires that landowners maintain sidewalks and curbing on their property. This includes trimming adjacent vegetation, clearing snow, and paying for repairs.
Supervisor Ardy Snook voted against the ordinance as he did not feel property owners should be financially responsible for curb maintenance.
Chairman Ed Brensinger said the ordinance was the result of a growing population and potential need for additional sidewalks in the future. He said most townships have similar sidewalk/curbing ordinances.
Landowners must clear snow and/or ice from sidewalks within 24 hours of a weather event, though salt or other de-icing agents may be used.
Tree branches must be at least eight feet overhead and other greenery may not extend into the sidewalk.
The ordinance also states that the board “may require the installation of sidewalks along any street in the Township” when it determines sidewalks are necessary for pedestrian safety.
The township may instruct any landowners to “construct, install, pave, curb, repave, and recurb the sidewalks along their said property.” If landowners do not do so, the township can have it done and charge landowners the cost.
The township can inspect curbs and sidewalks at its discretion and request landowners to take action to repair or replace curbing or sidewalks within 30 days. After that, the township can take on the repair/replacement and charge the landowner the cost, plus 10 percent.
To view the ordinance in its entirety, read it here (PDF).
North Lebanon supervisors meet at the township municipal building the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. The next meeting will be held March 20. The meetings are open to the public and do not require prior registration.
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