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CHAPTER 15 – STREETS AND SIDEWALKS

Chapter 15: Streets & Sidewalks — Summary of Regulations (Ebensburg, PA)

This chapter outlines rules for maintaining public streets and sidewalks in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania. It covers responsibilities for snow/ice removal, construction standards, vehicle restrictions, safety measures, and penalties for violations.

Part 1: Responsibility for Snow and Ice Removal from Sidewalks

Who’s responsible? Property owners must remove snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to their property.
Roof runoff? Owners are also responsible for removing snow and ice that falls or melts onto sidewalks from roofs.
Where can you dump it? Depositing snow and ice on streets or other public areas is restricted — likely to prevent hazards or damage.
Penalties apply for failing to comply with these duties.

Part 2: Regulations of Construction and Repair of Sidewalks

When are sidewalks required? On certain streets as determined by local authority.
Construction standards: Must follow specific guidelines for sidewalk and curb construction, including supports under sidewalks/curbs and conformity to line and grade.
Notice required: Property owners must get notice before doing work; inspection follows completion.
Municipal backup: If owner doesn’t act, the municipality may do the work and charge the cost.
Emergency repairs allowed without prior notice.
Owner-initiated work without notice? Permitted under §15-210 — but subject to penalties if done improperly.
Penalties for noncompliance with construction or repair rules.

Part 3: Regulations of Curb Cuts and Driveway Construction

Driveway width? Specified limits apply — check §15-301 for exact measurements.
Permit required before constructing or modifying a driveway curb cut.
Fee applies for permits (§15-303).
Sidewalk protection: Existing sidewalks must not be disturbed during driveway work.
Improper work? Must be corrected at owner’s expense (§15-305).
Penalties for violating curb/drainage regulations.

Part 4: Restriction for Driving Vehicles Over Curbs and Sidewalks

Driving on curbs/sidewalks? Only allowed under specific procedures (§15-401).
Obstructing sidewalks? Prohibited — blocks pedestrian access.
Damage reporting? Required if curbs or sidewalks are damaged during vehicle operation.
Penalties for unauthorized driving over curbs/sidewalks or failure to report damage.

Part 5: Prohibition on Befouling Streets and Sidewalks

Proper vehicle operation? Vehicles must not spill, leak, or drop materials onto streets/sidewalks.
Befouling unlawful? Yes — littering, oil spills, debris, etc. , are prohibited.
Penalties for contaminating public walkways or roadways.

Part 6: Prohibition on Obstruction of Sidewalks by Vendors

Applicability? Applies to vendors operating on public sidewalks.
Sales restrictions? Sidewalk sales must not block pedestrian flow.
Illegal obstruction? Any vendor setup that impedes walking is prohibited.
Penalties for obstructing sidewalks with carts, tables, or displays.

Part 7: Restriction on Placement of Structures on or Over Sidewalks & Streets

Construction around sidewalks/streets? Restricted — no unauthorized structures (awnings, signs, fences) encroaching on public space.
Authority to remove? Municipality can remove illegal structures and bill the owner.
Penalties for placing unauthorized structures on public rights-of-way.

Part 8: Excavation of Streets

Definitions? Clarifies terms like “opening,” “excavation,” and “permit holder. ”
Permit required for any street excavation or opening.
Application process? Includes fee, information requirements, and approval/disapproval steps.
Utility contact responsibility? Permit holder must notify utility companies before digging.
Restoration duties? After excavation, surface must be restored; defects within 2 years are the permit holder’s responsibility.
Borough rights? Borough can perform certain work and charge the permit holder.
Work standards? Must meet quality benchmarks; unsatisfactory or incomplete work must be corrected.
Emergency openings? Allowed under special conditions.
Tree/shrubbery protection? Restrictions apply to avoid damaging vegetation.
Timing restrictions? Work requiring excavation must be done before street improvements and not repeated for 5 years unless exception granted.
Multiple/cross cuts? Regulated to minimize disruption.
Trenching rules? Specific safety and restoration protocols apply.
Waivers? Possible under certain circumstances.

Part 9: Requirement for Safety Measures During Sidewalk Construction

Safety precautions? Mandatory during all sidewalk construction activities.
Temporary bridges? Required if excavation blocks pedestrian paths.
Approval needed for temporary structures or safety setups.
Penalties for failing to implement required safety measures.

Part 10: Prohibiting Vehicle Repair on Streets

Definitions? Clarifies what constitutes “motor vehicle repair. ”
Repairs prohibited? No fixing engines, tires, or mechanical issues on public streets.
Maintenance permitted? Minor upkeep (e. g. , checking oil, inflating tires) may be allowed.
Storage of parts? Prohibited on streets — keeps public areas clear and safe.
Penalties for conducting repairs or storing parts on public roads.

Part 11: Prohibiting Street Obstructions

Findings/purpose? To ensure unimpeded movement of people and vehicles.
Definitions? Clarifies what counts as an “obstruction. ”
Cart ways prohibited? Blocking designated cart paths is illegal.
Removal authority? Municipality can remove and impound obstructing objects.
Approved storage areas? Designated zones for storing removed items; bonding may be required.
Payment of charges? Owner must pay for removal, storage, and reclamation costs.
Records kept? Municipality maintains logs of removed/impounded objects.
Restrictions upon removal? Objects may only be reclaimed under specific conditions.
Penalties for creating or ignoring street obstructions.

Part 12: Regulation of Planting and Maintaining Trees Along Public Ways

Definitions? Clarifies terms related to tree planting and maintenance.
Administration? Local authority oversees compliance.
Authority? Municipality has power to regulate tree placement and care.
Assessments/costs/liens? Owners may be charged for planting or maintaining trees; unpaid costs can become liens.
Permits required for planting or removing street trees.
Stumps/debris? Must be removed after tree removal.
Planting regulations? Species, spacing, and placement rules apply.
Approved tree list? Only certain species may be planted (see §15-1208).
Restricted species? Some trees are banned due to root damage, litter, or safety concerns.
Tree lawn maintenance? Owners must keep the area between sidewalk and street clean and healthy.

Penalties for Violations (General)

Fine: Up to $600 per violation.
Imprisonment: Up to 30 days in default of payment.
Daily offense: Each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense.
Ordinance reference: Ordinance 602, enacted September 24, 2012.

Residents should familiarize themselves with these rules to avoid fines, ensure public safety, and maintain compliance with local ordinances. For questions or permits, contact the Ebensburg Borough office.

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