Abington, PA Property Maintenance: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (2026)

Chapter 137, Snow and Ice Removal, adopted by Ord. No. 1025 and last amended by Ord. No. 2135, puts the duty on whoever has charge of the property: the owner, or if the owner is not in residence, the occupant, lessee, tenant or other person having charge of any building, lot or parcel abutting a public place. Section 137-2 requires removal of all snow and ice from the sidewalk pavement or established footpath to a width of not less than three feet within 24 hours after the snow or ice falls or accumulates.

Section 137-3 sets the method: cleared snow goes onto the person's own property, and only if there is no room left there may excess be placed along the curbline, never in the street; snow pushed from a driveway approach onto a public place must be broken up and spread evenly rather than dumped in a pile; corner lots must clear enough to let pedestrians cross the intersection; and fire hydrants may never be covered. When ice is frozen too hard to remove without damaging the pavement, § 137-3E allows spreading ashes, sand or sawdust within the same 24-hour window instead, followed by full removal once weather permits. The Board of Commissioners, acting through Public Works, Public Safety, the Township Manager-Secretary, the Chief of Police or the Township Engineer, enforces the chapter.