In November, Bellevue City Council approved an amendment to the city’s sidewalk maintenance ordinance, and then during its December meeting, the officials approved a policy designed to add further clarification and lay out a sidewalk maintenance plan throughout the city.
The original ordinance outlines property owner and city responsibilities for maintaining sidewalks adjoining private properties throughout the city. It also lists the civil penalties for violation of the ordinance.
The amendment clarified language outlining property owner responsibilities for road verges as well as sidewalks. Road verges are the strips of grass between sidewalks and the street. Property owners are not only responsible to repair holes, unevenness and defects in the sidewalk itself, but also for the maintenance of the road verge. They are responsible for mowing the road verge, repairing any holes and removing any obstacles that could constitute a tripping hazard.
New language also adds that violations of the ordinance will be subject to the jurisdiction and proceedings of the city’s Code Enforcement Board.
The sidewalk maintenance policy
The new policy lays out the city’s sidewalk maintenance plan and provides property owners guidelines. From the start, city officials noted the policy was developed because the city lacks the financial and physical resources to repair and replace the many miles of sidewalks throughout the city.
The policy states the city will continue to inspect sidewalks for defects, as well as take reports from citizens about potential sidewalk hazards. The city also has a 2017 survey report, prepared by Precision Concrete Cutting, a sidewalk safety vendor with a Kentucky franchise. The report provides data on the sidewalks throughout the city.
The vendor provides grinding services to help even out edges of sidewalks, improving safety. City officials will use the data provided, as well as their own information, to identify priorities, allocate funds and implement an annual sidewalk grinding plan.
The grinding can be done on sidewalk edges from about a half inch up to two inches high. Higher than that, the sidewalk panel must be replaced.
Responsibilities
Beyond setting priorities and implementing sidewalk grinding where possible, the city will remain responsible for the curbs and gutters adjacent to sidewalks. The policy adds that the city will also pay for installations of ADA-detectable warning devices at roadway crossings.
As the city’s ordinance outlines, property owners are responsible for the repair of sidewalks and road verges adjoining their properties. The policy also notes that property owners are responsible for snow removal on their sidewalks.
Those wishing to construct sidewalks or driveways are required to obtain a permit from the city. Sidewalks must be made of concrete, at least four inches thick and comply with Kentucky Building Code.
The code enforcement director will issue a notice of violation or a citation to owners whose sidewalks are in need of repair.
Some potential relief for property owners
After receiving a notice, the owner can have the sidewalk repaired themselves, or they can have the city’s approved contractor do the job at rates set by the city.
Property owners can pay the contractor directly, or they can apply for a city match grant and then have the sidewalk repaired.
Applicants are eligible for up to a 50% reimbursement grant of costs up to $500 once the application is approved and the work is done. The Sidewalk Reimbursement Application is available on the city’s website. Under Forms & Permits, go to All Other Items for Businesses/Contractors/Residents.