Snow/Ice Removal

Please Note: We do not issue notices/warnings for snow and ice removal from public sidewalks on your property.

Every owner, tenant, occupant, lessee, property agent, business owner, or any other person responsible for property within the Borough must remove a clear path of at least 36” from public sidewalks within 36 hours following the end of a snow/ice event. In order to accommodate increased pedestrian traffic on Penn Avenue, a path of at least 48” must be cleared within 24 hours following the end of a snow/ice event. All sidewalks must be maintained free of snow/ice by placing salt, sand or other abrasive or chemical material upon areas where melting and refreezing has occurred to render the sidewalks safe for travel. If snow/ice has not been removed within the frame allowed, a fine for each offense will be assessed until the violation is corrected. The owner of any property fronting a public street with a bus shelter or fire hydrant must clear sidewalks surrounding those areas.  

Exceptions:

State of Emergency - In the event that snow/ice causes a declared State of Emergency, the occupant, owner or other person in charge of a property shall have an additional 48 hours to fulfill the requirements noted above.

Extreme Winter Conditions - In the event that snow/ice cannot be removed due to packed ice or other conditions and a reasonable effort has been made during the specified time frame to render the sidewalks safe for travel a fine will not be assessed. Once the snow has melted or is able to be removed, provisions above shall apply.

Enforcement:

Authorized officials of the Borough of West Reading shall notify either by first class mail, hand delivery or posting upon the property to any such person, association or partnership violating the requirements above that he or she shall pay at the office of the Borough Hall, 500 Chestnut Street, West Reading, within 10 days from the time of the notice the sum of $25 for the first offense, $50 for the second offense and $100 for the third offense. Each day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate offense. If such payment is not made at the office within a 10 day period, that violator shall be subject to prosecution before the Magisterial District Justice, potentially adding additional fines.

What is the best way to clean snow from the sidewalk?

Remove snow along the sidewalk adjacent to your property. Do not push snow from the sidewalk into the street. Clear the snow from around the fire hydrant if there is one in front of your property. Do not cover crosswalks with snow. You should move the snow to your front yard, behind the stoop line, or to the grassy curb strip if one exists.

Where possible, try to clear a path at least four feet wide along the sidewalk. Corner property owners should clear a path to the crosswalk, including any pedestrian ramps, and where the snow has melted and creates a puddle, disperse the water away from the crosswalk. This will help people in wheelchairs, people with children in strollers, students going to school and individuals with mobility-assistance devices.

Who clears fire hydrants and catch basins?

The person having charge of the adjoining property is responsible for keeping the fire hydrant clear of snow and ice and other debris or materials to ensure it is accessible during a fire emergency.

While there is no specific requirement to clear snow around catch basins, they provide drainage when snow and ice begin to melt.

Clearing fire hydrants and catch basins benefits everyone on the block and is something that block residents may wish to work together on to help address.

Why do snow plows leave a ridge at the end of my driveway? Who is responsible for clearing the ridge?

Snow ridges are an unavoidable after-effect of plowing streets, particularly in larger or heavier snow storms. Public Works must plow to create a passable driving lane. While this clears a path for traffic, in times of heavy snow, it may leave a snow ridge. We appreciate this concern. However, residents are responsible for clearing any ridge in front of their driveway. We suggest driveways be cleared after snow clearing operations are conducted and completed. It is important that snow may not be placed in the street because this could create hazardous conditions and the need to re-plow the street, which may result in the creation of another snow ridge in front of one's driveway. Placing snow in the street, if observed could result in the issuance of a fine.

Volunteers:

We are always seeking volunteers to assist our elderly and/or disabled residents who cannot maintain their sidewalks in the event of snow or ice. If anyone is interested in offering their time, please contact the Code Enforcement Department at (610) 374-8273, extension 238. 

On the same note, if you are unable to maintain your sidewalk or know of a resident who is elderly/disabled and unable to maintain their sidewalk, please call to be added to our list so we may attempt to offer assistance with their snow and/or ice removal. 

One never knows when you’ll need a little neighborly assistance. Unfortunately, less than half of Americans actually know the people in their communities, a fact that becomes all that more acute when it comes to needing cups of sugar or dealing with snowstorm aftermath. Make an effort to get to know your neighbor and assist each other in staying safe.

Let us find ways to show neighborly kindness to all people