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Borough of Collingdale, PA
Delaware County
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
[Adopted 6-10-1912 by Ord. No. 103 (Ch. 21, Part 2, of the 1987 Code of Ordinances)]
[Amended 10-5-1987 by Ord. No. 568]
From and after the passage of this article, every person or persons, firm, corporation or partnership owning property in the Borough of Collingdale shall grade, pave, curb and gutter the sidewalk or footway belonging to, or in front of or along side of, his, her, their or its property within 30 days after being notified so to do. The Council may specify the manner in which the work shall be done and the kind of materials to be used in each particular case. The property owner shall comply with these specifications in having the said work done, provided that, before any sidewalk shall be graded, paved, curbed or guttered, the owner shall procure the Borough Engineer to give and mark the grades according to the Borough plan, and the property owner shall conform to his directions.
[Amended 5-2-1949, by Ord. No. 272]
All sidewalks shall be four feet in width and shall be placed in the center of the sidewalk area, and those parts not occupied by footwalk shall consist of a grass plot, and all sidewalks shall be laid to the established grade and shall have a fall of 1/2 inch to the foot in the grass plot area and 1/4 inch to the foot in the paved area unless Council shall by ordinance or resolution otherwise direct.
[Amended 5-2-1949, by Ord. No. 273]
Where water conductors are required, they shall be constructed of iron pipe and laid under the sidewalk and through the curb to the gutter. Where driveways cross any of the sidewalks, the driveways shall be paved from property line to curbline with six-inch concrete with a gradual slope from the outer edge of the footwalk to a level two inches above the gutter.
[Amended 5-2-1949, by Ord. No. 272]
A. 
All footwalks shall be constructed as follows:
(1) 
The sidewalk shall be excavated and graded to the width required to a subgrade four inches below and parallel to the finished pavement. The subgrade shall be thoroughly compacted by ramming to the prescribed lines to a smooth even subgrade.
(2) 
The concrete for sidewalks shall consist of one course portland cement concrete composed of one part good portland cement, two parts good clean, sharp sand or N.J. gravel, and four parts good, hard crushed stone or gravel which shall pass a one-inch ring and be retained by a one-half-inch ring, and be uniformly graded.
(3) 
The sidewalk shall be laid in alternate four-foot blocks unless steel dividing plates are used, and a one-half-inch asphaltic premoulded expansion joint shall be placed every 40 feet. All joints are to extend entirely through the concrete. The consistency of the mix shall be such that there will appear on the surface only enough mortar to allow for suitable finishing. When the concrete is placed, it shall be tamped and screeded off until it is flush with the forms and then belted with a canvas belt. The surface shall then be given a broom finish. All edges and joints shall be finished with a one-fourth-inch edger. At no time shall dry cement be used as a drier.
(4) 
All sidewalks shall be four feet wide by not less than four inches thick, unless otherwise ordered by the Borough Engineer or Highway Committee.
(5) 
After the concrete has set sufficiently, all forms shall be removed and the ground on both sides of the sidewalk shall be refilled to the top of the sidewalk with suitable material, which shall be tamped in place until firm and solid. All excess materials must be hauled away and the work left neat and clean.
B. 
When completed, the sidewalk shall be protected from the elements in a satisfactory manner for a period of three days or more if directed.
[Amended 5-2-1949, by Ord. No. 273]
Curbs shall be constructed as follows:
A. 
Concrete curbs.
(1) 
Excavation. Excavation shall be made to the full required depth and width, and the subgrade or base upon which the curb is to set shall be compacted by ramming to form a hard, solid, even surface.
(2) 
Forms. The forms for concrete curbs are to be of wood or metal: straight, free from warp, and of sufficient strength when staked to resist the pressure of the concrete without springing. If of wood, they shall be of two-inch planking planed on the inner faces and edges, and so braced as to be approved section and shall have a flat surface on top, and so set as to exactly conform to the lines and grades as given by the Borough Engineer.
(3) 
Concrete. The concrete for curbs and gutters shall be composed of one part good portland cement, two parts good clean sand or N.J. gravel, free from all loam, dirt or other impurities, and four parts good, hard crushed stone or gravel, which shall pass a one-inch ring and be retained on a one-half-inch ring and be uniformly graded.
(4) 
Placing concrete. The concrete, after being thoroughly mixed, shall be placed in the forms to the depth specified, in layers of five or six inches, and tamped or spaded until mortar entirely covers its surface. Where indicated as directed, drainage openings shall be made through the curb at the elevation and of the size required.
(5) 
Forming joints. The concrete curb shall be constructed in uniform lengths or sections of 10 feet, except where shorter sections are necessary for closures, but no section shall be less than four feet. These sections shall be separated by sheet steel templates set perpendicular to the face and top of the curb. These templates shall be 1/8 inch in thickness of the width of the curbing and not less than two inches longer than the depth of the curb. The templates shall be set carefully during the placing of the concrete and allowed to remain in place until the concrete has set sufficiently to hold its shape, but shall be removed while the forms are still in place. A one-half-inch asphaltic premoulded expansion joint shall be placed every 40 feet.
(6) 
Finishing. Concrete curbs are to be 22 inches deep by seven inches thick from the bottom of the curb to a point six inches below the top of the curb, and then batter back on the face to six inches thick at the top of the curb; the inside edge of the curb to be 1/2 inch higher than the outside edge so as to ensure the proper wash. The top and outer face of the curb shall be floated smooth and the outer edge rounded to a radius of one inch while the concrete is still soft.
(a) 
The forms shall be removed within 24 hours after the concrete has been placed; honeycombed places and other minor defects shall be filled with mortar composed of one part portland cement and two parts of sand, which shall be applied with a wooden float. Plastering shall not be permitted on the faces of the curbing, and all rejected curbing shall be removed and replaced without additional compensation.
(b) 
The top and face of the curbing from the top to eight inches below shall be finished while the concrete is still green by wetting a wooden block and rubbing the surface until smooth; after the concrete has been rubbed smooth, it shall be rubbed again until a uniform color is produced, using in place of water a thin grout composed of one part portland cement and two parts approved sand.
(c) 
When completed, the curbing shall be protected from the elements in a satisfactory manner for a period of three days or more, if directed.
(7) 
Tangent joints. Where circular curbing is united with the tangent or straight curbing, there shall be imbedded in the concrete a reinforcing bar 1/2 inch in diameter and 24 inches long; this bar shall be placed six inches below the top of the curbing and in the center of its width and shall extend 12 inches into the curbing on each side of the joint.
(8) 
Refilling. After the concrete has set sufficiently, the spaces in front and back of the curbing shall be refilled to the required elevation with suitable material, which shall be tamped in layers of not more than six inches until firm and solid. All excess materials must be hauled away and the work left neat and clean.
All gutters in the Borough shall be 27 inches in width and six inches below the curbline at the curb and two inches below the outer edge, and shall be constructed of sound, vitrified bricks on the edge. The outer edge is to be toothed into the roadway and all crevices filled with clean, sharp sand or cement grouting, excepting when the curb is constructed of concrete; in which event, the gutter shall be constructed of concrete to be mixed in the same manner as specified for concrete walks in § 521-4 of this article.
[Amended 12-5-1983, by Ord. No. 542]
A. 
Where it is found that sidewalks, curbs or gutters already constructed or hereinafter constructed do not conform to the established grades or width, or are otherwise in a state of disrepair, it shall be the duty of the owner of the land abutting such sidewalk and/or curb and/or gutter to reconstruct or connect such sidewalk, curb and/or gutter in accordance with the provisions of this article within 30 days after receipt of written notice to that effect.
B. 
Before any transfer in ownership of any improved or unimproved property takes place, the owner shall be required to reconstruct the existing curb, sidewalk and/or gutter located thereon either upon receiving an order to do so from the Borough Manager or Building Inspector, or if the Borough is unaware of such proposed transfer, the property owner shall be presumed to have received such notice and shall comply therewith. Said reconstruction shall be carried out in accordance with the specifications for construction as set forth in this article.
[Amended 10-5-1987 by Ord. No. 568]
It shall hereafter be unlawful for any persons or owners to construct or cause to be constructed any pavement, curb or gutter or correct the same unless the owner of the land abutting thereon or the person having charge of such work shall have first obtained a permit from the Borough. Said permit shall be placed in the hands of the Borough Engineer, who shall furnish the said person or owner with the established lines and grades and endorse thereon, when the work has been completed, a certificate that the work has been performed and the regulations of the Borough complied with and return the said permit so endorsed to the Borough.
It shall be the duty of all owners to keep their sidewalks in a good and passable condition, and they shall make the necessary repairs within 30 days after notice to that effect; except that, when the sidewalks are dangerous, they shall be temporarily repaired and rendered safe within 24 hours after notice to that effect. Upon failure of the owner or owners to comply with the notice, the Borough shall have the necessary repairs made and shall collect the cost thereof from the owner or owners.
[Amended 12-13-1999 by Ord. No. 627A]
A. 
It shall not be lawful for the owner or owners of any property to place, allow or maintain an obstruction or encroachment upon the sidewalk, passageways or public rights-of-way abutting on such property, or to place or allow any awning, sign or branches of trees to encroach at less than a clear height of nine feet above any sidewalk.
B. 
The sidewalk, passageways or public rights-of-way shall at all times be kept free and clear of all obstruction to safe and convenient passage, and free from any signs and merchandise placed there for display or sale, or any self-service machines, benches, chairs, tables, flags, banners, or any permanent obstruction.
C. 
Unless expressly approved as a conditional use by the Borough Council of the Borough of Collingdale, there shall be no self-service machines or devices, including vending machines for the sale of newspapers, food products, ice or beverages; ball gum machines; sidewalk signs, banners, flags, signboards, placards; tables, chairs and benches; nor any permanent obstruction whatsoever, on any sidewalk, passageways or public rights-of-way.
D. 
Special events. As a conditional use, the Borough Council of the Borough of Collingdale may authorize temporary, short-term special events oriented to the general public, special seasonal sales or promotional sales, subject to the following:
(1) 
Such use shall be limited to a reasonable period of time with the display area identified and providing safety to the general public.
(2) 
Such uses shall not obstruct pedestrian or automobile traffic.
(3) 
Goods and displays shall be located a safe setback from any cartway.
(4) 
All litter generated by the use shall be removed at no expense to the Borough.
(5) 
The applicant shall provide all safety precautions as the Borough may require.
(6) 
A permit is obtained, with all signage to be agreed upon by the Borough.
[Amended 10-5-1987 by Ord. No. 568]
All notices referred to in this article shall be written or printed, and excepting the 24 hours' notice in § 521-9 of this article, shall be signed by the Borough Manager, and be served upon the owners of the abutting property, either personally or by leaving the same with an adult member of the family with whom the said owner or owners reside, if the residence of the said owner or owners can be ascertained within the Borough of Collingdale. If the said owner or owners of said abutting property have no residence within the said Borough, or cannot be found within the said Borough, then the notice shall be posted on the premises and a copy left with the occupant if there is one, and shall further be served by registered letter upon the owner or owners of the abutting property or their agents or attorneys, if their address be known. If the owner or owners of the property abutting on said sidewalk, curb or gutter be a corporation, said notice may be served upon either the president or secretary or authorized agent of said corporation, in the same manner as is herein provided for the service upon individuals. Where said notice is sent by a registered letter, the time herein provided shall be computed from the date said letter is mailed or registered, provided said notice has been previously posted upon the premises.
[Amended 10-5-1987 by Ord. No. 568]
A. 
If within the time prescribed in this article any owner shall, after notice served as aforesaid, neglect or refuse to comply with the provisions thereof, it shall be the duty of the Borough to have the required work done as soon as possible after the expiration of said time and collect from the owner or owners of the abutting property the cost of said work together with the following penalty.
B. 
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 and/or to imprisonment for a term not to exceed 90 days.