Sidewalk Inspection & Repairs
Repair and maintenance of sidewalks throughout the Borough are the responsibility of the property owner. The Borough conducts a Borough-wide inspection of our sidewalks to ensure that they are being maintained to current Borough Code. The last inspection took place 2018. The 2023 inspection was completed and letters were sent to residents regarding instruction for any necessary repairs. The next round of inspections will take place in 2028.
In an effort to make the borough a safe and accessible sidewalk community, a systematic inspection of all sidewalks throughout the Borough was established in 2013, and conducted every five years. The sidewalks were last inspected in Spring of 2023 next inspection is in 2028. The letter will include instructions of what needs to be repaired (identified with pink paint on the sidewalk which will wash away over time). Most repairs are minor and involve simply grinding down to reduce tripping hazards and/or caulking for cracks to prevent additional breaking and damage that would eventually require a sidewalk block replacement. When a replacement is required, sidewalk repairs will be examined by Borough staff BEFORE concrete pouring, in addition to a final inspection, to ensure that it is in compliance with the current safety standards and Borough Code and to inspect any cuts or damage to shade tree roots, so we may monitor the potential future impact on the Shade Trees.
If your sidewalk is deemed to be in need of repair, you will receive a copy of the "Sidewalk Inspection Form" which will indicate the type of violation and the specifications and options for repair. If no repairs are needed, you will receive a letter indicating that you passed the initial Paxtang Borough Sidewalk Inspection.
You can download a sample of the inspection document by clicking on the button to the right.
REMEMBER: You must obtain a building permit from the Borough prior to beginning all sidewalk repair work. If the permit has been applied for as a result of the inspection AND the permit application is submitted and issued by November 1, 2028, then the $15.00 permit fee is waived. This process allows us to track the property repair following the notice. See letter for details of your specific property.
ANY QUESTIONS: Please contact the Borough Office at paxtangborooffice@comcast.net or 717-564-4770.
NEW! Interpreting Your Inspection Form - Slide Show:
Use the arrows below to navigate through the slides for more information on interpreting the sidewalk inspection results. Clicking on the slide show will open the slides in a larger window for easier viewing.
QUICK LINKS
Side 1: Interpreting the inspection report.
Side 1: Interpreting the inspection report.
Planning needed repairs.
Side 1: Interpreting the inspection report.
Curb and Sidewalk FAQ's
1) Use of rebar: Some contractors have asked about the need for the 3/8" rebar for Joint Repairs as shown on the Sidewalk Inspection form. The 3/8" dowels are to control differential settlement between the adjoining slabs. Cracking can occur at the rebar locations if they are not installed correctly or if the sidewalk is acted on by significant outside forces such as major settlements or a tree root pushing on the slab. We suggest the use of the dowels but if they are not used, the owner should be made aware that settlement or movement greater than 1/4" is considered a violation of ADA and would result in having to make additional repairs at a later date. With that understanding, we have no objection to making them optional.
2) Minor Surface Spalling, Type D2 - We have been asked if the area can be repaired instead of replaced and if so, what material should be used. The repair options for Type D2 indicate that patching is an option. We suggest the use of Sika Quick 1000 or an equivalent. Care should be used to properly prepare the patch aread to better assure the patch will hold.
3) Cracks of 1/4" to 1/2" in width, Type E2 - We have been asked if these items can be repaired and if so, suggested materials to use. The repair options for Type E2 indicate that a repair can be made. If the crack is subject to movement, then a flexible sealant such as Sikaflex 1a or an equivalent may be used. Proper preparation of the repair area is critical to the success of the repair.
4) Can bituminous concrete be used in lieu of cement concrete? No. The Borough ordinance requires all sidewalks to be made of cement concrete, in accordance with PennDOT.
5) Detectable Warning Surfaces (DWS): Based on the regulations of PennDOT, DWS must be used at all intersections of sidewalks with public streets or alleys. They are not required at minimum or low volume driveways.
6) Adhesive type DWS: It is our understanding that the adhesive DWS are not approved by PennDOT for the use in public right-of-ways. Therefore, we do not recommend their use or the use of other products until they are approved by PennDOT.
If a manufacturer claims to be approved, they should be able to produce a copy of the PennDOT materials approval or to show where they are listed in the PennDOT publications as an approved product.
QUESTIONS: Please contact the Borough Office.