Warminster: Rake Leaves Into Gutter, Get a Ticket

WARMINSTER, PA — Township officials in Warminster are reminding residents about an ordinance that bans raking or blowing leaves into the street and gutters.

The township has enacted the ordinance, which is intended to prevent flooding as well as damage and blockages to the township's storm sewer system. It requires that leaves and other debris and yard waste be placed in bags or containers for pickup.

"Therefore, we are requesting that you and your contractor cease and desist from the practice of blowing, raking or sweeping grass clippings, leaves, debris and yard waste into the streets and gutters," Assistant Township Manager Amanda Zimmerman wrote in a letter to residents Monday.

She said violations "may result in enforcement and the imposition of penalties by the Township."

Any questions should be directed to the township's licenses and permits department at 215-443-5423 or by email at [email protected].

Snow Removal

The township also is looking ahead to winters.

"Winter months present not only a unique challenge but also an opportunity for the Township and residents to work together in the common goal of safe, timely, and efficient snow removal," the letter said.

It offered the following tips and advice:

• If residents have any issues or concerns with plowing operations, they should call the main number for Warminster Township at 215-443-5414. The Public Works Department will attempt to respond to your call in a timely manner.
• A snow emergency in Warminster Township will be declared when a snowstorm of 3 inches or more is forecast, or in the case of an "ice event." The snow emergencies will be in effect for 72 hours.
• All on-street parking of any vehicle will be prohibited on township streets during a snow emergency. Vehicles parked in violation may be ticketed and towed if necessary according to the determination of the township.
• When snow is plowed from the streets and is deposited in aprons and driveways, it is the responsibility of the resident to remove the snow from this area. When snow is plowed from the streets and is deposited around mailboxes, it is the responsibility of the resident to remove this snow to allow access for the U.S. Postal Service.
• Residents shall not park vehicles close to where the plows will be operating. Vehicles may not be parked closer than six feet from the curb or edge of the street.
• Downed tree branches that are in the roadway will be removed by Public Works and any branches will be placed on the property where they came from. Residents will be responsible for their disposal.
• Sidewalks must be cleared within a 24-hour period after the storm has passed. Violators may be cited according to township ordinance. Delayed sidewalk clearing is permitted when heavy snow accumulations cause plowed snow from the roadway to accumulate in the sidewalk area. In this event, residents are advised to wait until it is clear that township plowing is completed before clearing their sidewalks. Residents can contact Public Works directly at (267) 317-1310 to find out if plowing is completed on their street.
• The township says roads considered to be "main arteries," emergency response routes and emergency centers and school bus routes will be considered first priority during plowing operations. Main arteries in Warminster Township are roads such as Valley Road, Delmont Avenue, Norristown Road, Centennial Road and other roads where traffic volumes are higher. Secondary and development street plowing will continue after the priority areas are cleared.
• Township-owned sidewalks will also be cleared by the Public Works Department. Additionally, Warminster Township participates in a winter maintenance agreement with PennDOT. The State roads that Warminster Township maintains during winter weather events include Jacksonville Road and Mearns Road within township limits.
• The township says that any damaged caused to a resident's vehicle or other property that is in the right of way during plowing operation will lie with the resident. That also includes damage to a township vehicle caused by an obstruction, the letter said.

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