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

Sidewalk snow clearance in Bucks County is regulated by each municipality under authority granted by the PA Borough Code (8 Pa.C.S. §1202) and Township Codes (53 P.S. §66501 second class, 53 P.S. §55102 first class). Typical ordinance elements across Bucks boroughs (Doylestown, Newtown, New Hope, Bristol, Yardley, Morrisville, Perkasie, Quakertown, Langhorne, Hulmeville) and urbanized townships: clear snow and ice from public sidewalks within 24 hours of snowfall cessation; clear a minimum 36-inch wide path (48 inches in some boroughs for ADA compliance); treat compacted ice with sand, salt, calcium chloride, or other approved deicer; corner property owners must clear curb ramps and crosswalk access; business properties may have shorter deadlines (often 12 hours) due to higher foot traffic. PA follows the 'Hills and Ridges Doctrine' (originating in Rinaldi v. Levine, 1972) under which property owners are not liable for natural snow and ice accumulations UNLESS they allow it to form unusual ridges or elevations. However, once a property owner removes snow, they create a duty of reasonable care — incomplete or negligent removal may create liability. Municipal public works plow streets but NOT sidewalks; sidewalk clearance is the abutting owner's responsibility regardless of whether they own the sidewalk. Enforcement is complaint-driven and typically follows a notice-plus-fine model. Several Bucks boroughs (Doylestown, Newtown, Yardley) offer elderly/disabled snow removal assistance programs through public works, volunteer organizations, or senior centers. Snow cannot be pushed into the street or onto neighbors' property.