The goal of the Sidewalk Safety Program is to repair and replace hazardous sidewalks and to construct incomplete sections of the sidewalk system over time. The City has a responsibility to ensure that sidewalks are maintained for the community as a whole, including upgrading corners to provide wheelchair ramps, maintaining new public alley approaches, and repairing sidewalks adjacent to City-owned property.

The effort to ensure sidewalks are maintained in safe condition is shared by property owners. Property owners are responsible for the construction and maintenance of sidewalks and driveway approaches next to their property's frontage. Chapter 2.15 of the City's Municipal Code establishes the property owners' responsibility for repair and their liability in case of an accident. Any time a sidewalk's condition is noted as presenting a safety hazard to pedestrians, the City notifies the property owner that repairs are required and then follows up to ensure the repairs are completed.

In addition to notifying property owners of unsafe sidewalks as they are noted by City staff or are reported by pedestrians, the City also conducts an annual Sidewalk Safety Program. Each year, one of eleven sidewalk districts is surveyed for sidewalks in need of repairs. The repair criteria are specific (see below). The property owners are notified of the need for repairs, and they are offered the opportunity to participate in the City's repair contract. The City puts the total work out to bid, with the bid going to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, in accordance with State of Oregon purchasing and contracting guidelines. Property owners are then notified of the actual costs to perform their repairs based on the low bid, and they must make payment in full to the City before the contractor performs the work.

Related Links

• Guidelines for Public Sidewalk and Driveway Repairs
• Sidewalk Marking Code & Conditions Requiring Grind or Replacement
• Required Qualifications for the Installation or Repair of Sidewalks, Curbs, or Driveways in the Public Right-of-Way
• Corvallis Municipal Code, Chapter 2.15, Sidewalk Improvements
• Council Policy 91-7.08 Sidewalk Policy
• Frequently Asked Questions about the Sidewalk Safety Program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Sidewalk Safety Program

Why have I received notice from the City to repair my sidewalk?

The City has established safety criteria for our sidewalks that are being applied uniformly throughout the community. The criteria are specific in what constitutes a needed sidewalk repair. There are two reasons you may be notified of sidewalk repairs that need to be made:

What options do I have to repair my sidewalk?

If the case number in the subject line of your letter starts with VIO, your notification was not part of the City's Annual Sidewalk Safety Program, and you will be responsible for coordinating the repairs yourself (see the next question, "How do I arrange for sidewalk repair?").

If the case number in the subject line of your letter starts with SWD, you have been notified during the City's Annual Sidewalk Safety Program which focused on your sidewalk district, and you will have two options each with different advantages. Choose the option that's best for you:

1. You can arrange for the work to be done yourself.

Work gets done faster.
You choose your own contractor.
You have direct control over the work.
You coordinate bids, permits and inspections.

2. You can have the City coordinate the repair work.

Bidding and contract award process may slow completion of the work.
Actual cost will not be known until the City's bid process is complete.
The City may be able to obtain a lower price due to quantity of work contracted.
The City will administer the repair contract, including coordinating bids, permits and inspections.

How do I arrange for sidewalk repair?

A permit must be obtained from the City's Development Services Division at 501 SW Madison Avenue for all sidewalk repairs except grinding. The permit fee is $10. The work needs to be done to City construction standards by a licensed concrete finisher. Property owners who apply for permits to do sidewalk repairs themselves (but do not plan to have the work done by a licensed concrete finisher) must sign a statement of understanding of current applicable City standards and submit proof of insurance (including a clause showing the City as an additional insured party) in the following amounts:

Each occurrence: $1,000,000
Personal & Adv Injury: $1,000,000
General Aggregate: $1,000,000
Comp/Op Aggregate: $1,000,000

For more information, contact the Development Services Division at 541-766-6929.

After receiving notice about the specific repairs needed, you will have 60 days from the notice date to complete the work.

If I decide to let the City do the work, what do I need to do?

You will need to submit the request form included with the sidewalk repair notification letter sent by the City. The City will then bid your repairs as part of a larger sidewalk repair project and notify you of actual costs once bids are received. Actual costs will include an administrative fee equal to the current permit fee for such work.

What are typical sidewalk repair costs for repairs coordinated by the City?

Sidewalk removal and replacement can range from $8.00 and $10.00 per square foot. Sidewalk grinding is estimated at $10.00 to $12.00 per lineal foot.

For more information or to report a sidewalk hazard, call the Public Works Department at 541-766-6916.

For more information on obtaining a construction permit for a sidewalk repair, contact The City of Corvallis, Community Development Department, Development Services Division, 541-766-6929.