Sidewalk Repair Program

Sidewalk Repair Program

The Sidewalk Repair Program is a City of Lancaster’s initiative to make it easier for property owners to repair their sidewalks using low-interest loans and a City-sourced contractor to perform the work. 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Only property owners who receive a notice from the City of Lancaster indicating that their curb or sidewalk must be repaired are eligible. These notices will be sent through the mail and are primarily along planned street paving routes.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF THE SIDEWALK REPAIR PROGRAM

– This program satisfies the Notice to Repair

– No permit fees

– The City inspects the final work to ensure it meets requirements

– A three-year warranty is provided on the work

– You do not need to secure your own contractor

– Improves the sidewalk for entire street

WHAT ARE THE COSTS? CAN I RECEIVE A LOAN OR GRANT?

Loans are available to all property owners who received a notice. A lower monthly payment option is available; proof of income eligibility is required.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT IF I PARTICIPATE?

1. Complete application and choose payment option (pay in full, loan).
2. The Bureau of Engineering will verify the project scope and cost. Property Owner may request on-site review.
3. The property owner will then provide the required documentation and enter into the agreement or submit payment.
4. The City-sourced contractor will then complete the work and the City of Lancaster will inspect the completed work.

WHY DID I RECEIVE A NOTICE TO REPAIR MY CURB/SIDEWALK?

The City of Lancaster policy is to inspect curb and sidewalk conditions ahead of a paving project or in response to a formal complaint about the sidewalk.

WHAT ARE THE STANDARDS FOR SUCH AN INSPECTION?

The curb may be found deficient if the condition of the curb is in disrepair or if curb is inconsistent with current use and should be corrected prior to paving (such as a driveway apron that is no longer in use).

Sidewalks are reviewed according to American with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) guidelines which prohibit changes in level over 1/4 inch and openings in sidewalk area wider than 1/2 inch as shown on the figures below.

CAN I REPLACE SOME OF MY SIDEWALK WITH GRASS OR A TREE?

You may be able to reduce the cost of your repair by removing portions of the sidewalk adjacent to the curb and replacing it with grass or a tree planting, if adequate width is available. Contact the Engineering Coordinator to review with the inspector whether this is an option for your property. The cost of planting the tree would be covered by the City.

ARE TREE REMOVAL COSTS INCLUDED IN THIS PROGRAM?

No, if tree removal is needed, the property owner is responsible for arranging for and paying for tree work.

WHAT IF I’M NOT INTERESTED IN THIS PROGRAM?

Property owners that receive curb and sidewalk notices and don’t participate in this program may use their own contractor to perform the work. A Curb and Sidewalk Permit is required and the work must be completed by the deadline provided in the notice. Failure to complete the work by the deadline will result in the City completing any curb and sidewalk work on the property owners behalf and placing a lien on the property. This will include additional fees associated with legal and administrative costs as well as the $180 permit fee.

Any work done without the required Curb & Sidewalk permit may be subject to removal and replacement at the property owner’s expense. Work done without the required permit will not be considered completed until the permit is pulled and the required inspections are completed by the Engineering Bureau in compliance with Bureau of Engineering Specifications per Article V of Chapter 262 of the Code of the City of Lancaster.