Sidewalk Replacement Program

Sidewalks are a very important means of travel for our residents, especially children and senior citizens.  The City Commission has placed a high priority on maintaining safe sidewalks through a cooperative program administered by the City Engineering Department.  The program helps eliminate defective sidewalks by systematically inspecting and repairing one of four quadrants of the City sidewalks at a time. Construction of the sidewalk replacements takes place biennially with inspections being completed on non-construction years.  The program also addresses urgent repairs and ADA sidewalk ramp upgrades throughout the City with each replacement project.  For more information on the please review the FAQs below or contact Alex Austin at aaustin@sjcity.com.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

City Code of Ordinances, Section 26-45, states that it is the duty of the adjoining property owner or occupant to keep the sidewalk free of all snow, ice, sand, rubbish, dirt and litter at all times.

City Code of Ordinances, Section 26-47, states that it is the duty of the adjoining property owner to keep the sidewalk in repair at all times.  It also states that if the owner fails or neglects to repair the sidewalk within a timely manner the City may repair the sidewalk and collect the cost from the owner. 

Category: Sidewalk Program

Under the City's current sidewalk program, sidewalks with a 1 inch difference present at any point between adjacent sidewalk squares are included in the replacement projects. Additionally, sidewalks identified with other trip hazards, cracks, surface deterioration or any other condition that creates a significant safety hazard are also replaced.  Sidewalks with a difference of 1.5 inches or greater are considered "urgent repairs" and when identified will be included in the replacement project regardless of which quadrant it is located in.  Sidewalks marked for repair have been identified with a white painted dot and logged by the City.  Before construction starts squares to be replaced will be marked with a white “X”.

Category: Sidewalk Program

Overnight, on-street parking will be allowed on City blocks impacted by the sidewalk project.  Concrete within the influence of a driveway should be allowed to cure for seven days before driving on it.

Category: Sidewalk Program

The replacement projects are usually put out to bid during the winter. Past sidewalk projects have taken 4 to 6 weeks to complete. The work could occur anytime between late spring and early fall.

Category: Sidewalk Program

The City will allow you to repair your sidewalk at your own expense.  Because the sidewalk is located in the Right-of-Way (ROW) you must obtain a ROW permit from the City Engineer in accordance with Code of Ordinances Sec. 26- 41 prior to commencing any work. This is a no cost permit but construction standards, bond and insurance requirements must be met.  If you decide to repair the sidewalks you must inform the City in writing, obtain a ROW permit, and complete all repairs prior to the replacement project starting.  The ROW permit application is available on the City’s website HERE or by contacting Assistant City Engineer Alex Austin in the Engineering Department (269-983-5541 or aaustin@sjcity.com). If work is started within the ROW prior to obtaining a permit a fee of $100.00 will be charged.

Category: Sidewalk Program

The Right-of-Way is delineated by legally established lines or boundaries and typically includes the road, the tree lawn (i.e. land between edge of curb and sidewalk) and the sidewalk.

Category: Sidewalk Program

Please feel free to contact Alex Austin, Assistant City Engineer at aaustin@sjcity.com or at (269) 983-5541 or you can stop by City Hall during normal working hours.

Category: Sidewalk Program
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