Lower Merion, PA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

Section 133-8 sets out the application: the applicant's name and address, the purpose and location of the work, and a statement that the abutting property owner's consent has been obtained, unless the applicant is a corporation regulated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. Section 133-9B requires the applicant to file proof of a liability insurance policy with at least a $300,000 single-occurrence limit for public liability, property damage, products liability and completed operations, though that requirement is waived for PUC-regulated utility work or for an owner's own minor job completed within three working days at a cost of $100 or less.

Section 133-10 breaks the permit fee into eight recoverable components, including an administrative fee, separate street construction fees for improved and unimproved surfaces, a street degradation fee, a pole fee, a curb and sidewalk fee, a street closing fee, an occupancy fee and a special use fee for moving buildings or heavy loads, with anyone who starts work before permitting subject to an additional fee equal to the required permit fees.