Public Works Department..

SIDEWALK MAINTENANCE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM

Public Policy: Sidewalks are community assets.  They provide safe routes for pedestrian traffic, foster citywide walkability and enhance neighborhoods.  Community accessibility and safety mandate repair of damaged or defective sidewalks.

Responsibility: Sidewalk maintenance is the responsibility of the adjoining property owner under Kansas law and City policy.  The City has enforcement powers for inadequate or unsafe sidewalks. K.S.A. 12-1801 et seq.; City Code Ch. XVI, Art. 1 & 2.

Program Scope: The Sidewalk Maintenance Compliance Program applies to inadequate or unsafe sidewalks meeting the following condition criteria, as determined by City staff:

Condition Rating Criteria
Critical	Poor
Deflections > 2 inches	Deflections between ½ - 2 inches
Vegetation overgrowth on > 25% sidewalk surface	Vegetation overgrowth on < 25% sidewalk surface
	Extensive sidewalk cracking
	½-Inch surface gaps

SMCP Procedures: ● Identification of critical/poor condition sidewalk

● Notice to property owner regarding duty to repair.

○ Voluntary compliance deadline

○ Permit fee?; Surety Bond [?]

○ Option to request special assessment providing for City repair and property owner repayment by installment

● Second Notice to Property Owner

                                                ● Condemnation Proceeding

                                                            ○ Condemnation of sidewalk

○ City repairs sidewalk

                                                            ○ City assessment for repair costs, payable in full by property owner payment within 30 days

                                                            ○ Property tax levy for nonpayment

(1/4/07)