Upper Darby, PA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)

Chapter 472, Article III, § 472-12A makes the owner of any lot, parcel, tract or premises fronting or abutting an affected public street responsible, at their own cost and expense, to construct, repair and maintain the curbing, sidewalk and driveway aprons along their property once they receive written notice from the Township. Under § 472-12B, that notice is sent by first-class mail or special messenger to the owner's last known address of record; if the mail is returned unclaimed or the messenger can't find the owner, the Township posts the notice on the property instead.

Section 472-12C requires curbs and sidewalks to be laid out to the lines and grades established by the Township Engineer, and new construction can match the lines and grades of existing adjacent curbs and sidewalks in good condition only with the Engineer's approval. Curb construction specifications in § 472-12D are detailed: concrete curbs must be seven inches wide at the top, tapering to eight inches at the bottom, at least 18 inches deep, built to PennDOT Publication 408 § 630 and Publication 72M standards, with 1/2-inch premolded expansion joints every 20 feet and control joints every 10 feet, and must comply with ADA requirements including reduced curb heights across driveways and curb ramps.

The obligation traces to the procedures of Article XXIII of the First Class Township Code, which authorizes municipalities to compel abutting owners to build and maintain sidewalks once a street grade is established.