Sidewalk Repair Programs

Cracks like this can be a dangerous tripping hazard.

Sidewalk repair reduces pedestrian injuries. It is also an important part of maintaining the appearance and value of personal property. It is becoming increasingly common for municipalities to adopt sidewalk repair programs. These programs systematically address sidewalk repairs and may help to offset the cost of the maintenance or repair on the frontage of owner-occupied residential parcels.

Landscaping Conflicts

Trees are known to crack and vertically displace sidewalk segments. Municipalities tend to provide the most financial assistance in cases where sidewalks have been damaged by tree roots in the right-of-way.

Financial Responsibility

If sidewalk damage is directly attributable to damage from a municipal-owned system, such as a sewer line, the city will typically covers all repair costs. Due to public heath, safety, and welfare concerns, the city may also chose to offer a percentage of the cost to repair damaged sidewalks even in private areas, such as driveway approaches.

Initiating Sidewalk Repair

If there is a sidewalk that needs to be repaired in front of your house, you should first contact your local public works department to see if your city has a sidewalk repair program in place, and what is covered by it. Keep in mind that sidewalk repair can be initiated by the property owner or by anyone else who feels the sidewalk is unsafe. Financial assistance may be available and permits may be required. All work should conform to any applicable municipal standards.

References

• City of Iowa City, Iowa: Sidewalk Repair Program
• City of Salem, Oregon: Sidewalk Repair