Haverford, PA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)

Chapter 157, Article I of the Haverford Township Code puts sidewalk upkeep on the abutting owner, not on the Township. Section 157-8 requires all owners of property abutting the highways to keep the sidewalks in front of, along or upon their lots in good order and repair. The same section requires the owner to keep all water, gas, sewer or drain stop boxes and vent boxes level with the sidewalk and to keep the walk free and clear from obstruction to safe and convenient passage. The duty starts with construction: under § 157-2, sidewalks and curbs are graded and built by the owners of the lots fronting on them, at the grade and to the specifications prescribed by the Highway Committee of the Board of Commissioners.

When an owner does not act, § 157-8 lets the Highway Committee, upon notice of the condition, have the sidewalk repaired or the obstruction removed. The cost and expense, together with a penalty of 10%, is charged against the owner under § 157-7. Under that section the Township Engineer, acting with the Highway Committee, assesses the cost and the 10% penalty, and bills go to the property owner. If the bill is not paid within 30 days from its date, it is collected in the manner prescribed by law, it becomes a lien against the property, and the Township Solicitor files a municipal claim.

New or relocated sidewalk work needs a permit. Section 157-9 bars laying, constructing or relocating a sidewalk or curb in front of abutting property without first getting a permit from the Board of Commissioners. The owner files a written application on the Board's form with the Secretary of the Board, signs it, and pays the permit fee fixed by resolution. The Highway Committee, acting through the Township Engineer, then fixes the location, grade and specifications. Where the Board designates a sidewalk for grading, curbing and paving, § 157-5 requires written notice to owners with a period of not less than 30 days to build it.

Owners who repair their own walk get a break from the street-opening rules: § 157-24 allows a waiver of the bond and the insurance requirement where the owner of a dwelling in which the owner resides personally repairs a driveway, driveway apron, curb or sidewalk. Anyone who cuts a sidewalk for utility work must restore it to its former condition under § 157-30(B).