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Maintenance
of sidewalks in front of residences and businesses is, by ordinance, the
responsibility of the property owner.
Maintaining sidewalks in a safe condition for pedestrians includes winter
ice, eliminating trip hazards and unstable footing from deterioration.
1. Winter Snow Maintenance: It is the responsibility of the property owner to clear accumulations of snow and ice that may cause a threat to public safety within 24 hours after a winter storm event.
An
accumulation of 4 or more inches of snow and any accumulation of ice is
considered a threat to public safety.
If a sidewalk is not cleared, a representative of the City may authorize
clearing and the costs could be assessed against the premises.
2. Representatives of the Department of Public Works inspect sidewalks
throughout the City for safety, looking at the following conditions:
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Sidewalks
which have raised or settled to create an trip hazard of one inch or
more
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Sidewalks
which have raised or settled to create a hill or valley of five inches
or more in a five-foot section
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Sidewalks
which have raised or settled or because of high surrounding soil can
pond water the width of the sidewalk
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Missing
pieces of sidewalk
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Deteriorated
sidewalk surface
When
such sidewalk conditions are found, a notification letter will be sent to the property owner giving a
period of 45 days to arrange for replacement of sidewalk. If the owner declares intent to make his or her own
arrangements to replace or repair such sidewalk, a permit is required.
This permit can be obtained at the Department of Public Works, 521 Water
Street, at no cost. If the owner does not reply to the notification
letter, City Council may order compliance and, after a period of time, a
representative from Public Works may authorize replacement and invoice the
property owner.
Any questions regarding the sidewalk maintenance program can be addressed
to SanDee Porter at 788-4170.
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