What are residents required to do to assist the sweeping process?
Citizens must avoid parking cars in the street on the days their district is scheduled for sweeping.
Why doesn’t the Township collect leaves raked into the street?
The Township does not collect leaves in the street because of the sheer volume, the number of roadway miles for which the Public Works Department is responsible and the staffing it would take to accomplish such a task. Also, leaves piled in the street are considered a hazard. They wash into and clog storm sewers, they are slippery when wet and they can be a fire hazard to parked cars with hot exhaust.
What should residents do with their leaves?
Leaves from private property are to be put in compostable paper bags and placed by the curb for collection. They will be collected by Township personnel and taken to the Township’s compost site. It is ILLEGAL to burn leaves in the Township.
How do I request that my street be resurfaced?
The Township has an annual road resurfacing program. The scheduling of roads to be paved each year is based on a structural rating prepared by Township staff through annual inspections of the roadway surface. If you wish to obtain the rating number for your street and the approximate year in which the road is scheduled for resurfacing, please contact the Public Works Department at 610-667-1590 ext 709.
What is the right-of-way?
The right-of-way consists of the street plus a strip on each side for curbs, sidewalks and utilities such as electric cables; telephone, water and gas lines; and sewers. For shade trees, the important dimension is the distance from the curb to the edge of the right-of-way. This distance varies from street to street and also sometimes within the same street. A property owner who wishes to determine whether a specific tree is within the right-of-way may obtain this information from the Township Arborist at 610-726-7141.
Who is responsible for the sidewalk and curb that borders my property?
The property owner is responsible for the maintenance, repair and/or replacement of sidewalk and curb abutting their property. A permit from the Public Works Department is required for any work done within the right-of-way.
Who do I contact to have a street light repaired?
To report a malfunctioning street light , contact the Public Works Department at 610-645-6150. It is important to provide an accurate location of the pole – either an address or the pole number – to insure a prompt response.
How do I request a new street light?
Requests for street light upgrades will only be considered if seventy-five percent (75%) of the affected property owners petition the Township for the expansion or upgrade. All requests for street light expansion and/or upgrades must be received in writing by the Public Works Department. Public Works staff will review the request and provide a recommendation for approval or denial to the Public Works Committee of the Board of Commissioners based on prioritization parameters and the available funding allocated in the Township’s Capital Improvement Program.
What is the schedule for street sweeping?
Street sweeping is scheduled several times a year, in March, mid-summer and late fall. The Township is divided into 10 sweeping districts. With a new private contractor in 2017, the process takes about a week or longer, depending on weather conditions. The fall cycle will likely take longer.
No sweeping is done on holidays or on Saturdays and Sundays. Announcements will be made on the front page of this website (www.lowermerion.org) when street sweeping is scheduled, and also on LMTV (channel 7 Comcast, channel 37 Verizon FiOS), on the Township Facebook page and our our Twitter feed.
Can I start construction on my sidewalk before obtaining the permit?
No, you must obtain the Highway Permit and receive approval before beginning any construction work on your sidewalk.
Do I need a permit to replace or install a sidewalk?
Yes, you need to obtain a Highway Permit for both replacing an existing sidewalk and installing a new one. Highway Permit Application
For sidewalk project, who should I contact for more information or assistance?
For more information or assistance with your sidewalk project, please contact the Township's Public Works Department at 75 East Lancaster Avenue Ardmore, PA 19003 or via phone at 610-645-6150.
How do I obtain a Highway Permit?
To obtain a Highway Permit, submit your permit application and any necessary plans in person at the Public Works Counter, located at 75 E. Lancaster Ave, in Ardmore. You will also need to pay the required fees.
How much does a Highway Permit cost?
The cost of a Highway Permit includes a $37 administrative fee, plus $28 for the first 10 feet of sidewalk and an additional $8 for each subsequent 10 feet.
What are the requirements for installing a new sidewalk?
New sidewalks must be between 5 and 8 feet wide and include a verge (strip of land between the sidewalk and the street) that ranges from 3 to 5 feet in width. Detailed plans stamped by a licensed engineer must also be submitted for review.
What happens if my sidewalk plans do not comply with the Township's codes?
If your plans do not comply, the Public Works Department will provide feedback on necessary changes. Your permit will not be issued until all requirements are met.
What is a verge, and why is it required for new sidewalks?
A verge is the strip of land between the sidewalk and the street, ranging from 3 to 5 feet in width. It provides a buffer zone for pedestrian safety and aesthetic purposes.
What is the minimum width required for replacing an existing sidewalk?
When replacing an existing sidewalk, it must be a minimum of 36 inches wide to comply with ADA standards.
What steps are involved in closing out a Highway Permit for sidewalk?
After the sidewalk forms are set up, you must notify the assigned Public Works Inspector for a pre-pour inspection. Once the sidewalk construction is completed, a final inspection will be conducted by the Public Works Inspector to close out the permit.
