The Department of Public Works

Sidewalks

Maintenance of sidewalks in front of residences and businesses is, by ordinance, the responsibility of the property owner.

Safe sidewalks meet the following conditions:

• Free of snow and ice
  Sidewalks must be cleared by property owners within the first 25 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. City residents are required to clear sidewalks to a minimum of 36" in width.
  
  If a sidewalk is not cleared, a representative of the City may authorize clearing and the costs could be assessed against the premises.
• Free of trip hazards
  Representatives of the Department of Public Works inspect sidewalks throughout the city for safety, looking at the following conditions: trip hazards of one inch or more, hills or valleys of five inches or more in a five-foot section, areas where soil can pond water the width of the sidewalk, missing pieces of sidewalk and deteriorated sidewalk surfaces.

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 arrangements to replace or repair such sidewalk, a permit is required. This permit can be obtained at the Department of Public Works at no cost. If the owner does not reply to the notification letter, City Council may order compliance and will invoice the property owner.

Any questions regarding the sidewalk maintenance program can be addressed to SanDee Porter at 788-4170.