Sidewalk Program

The sidewalk program was established to regularly inspect, repair or reconstruct damaged sidewalks. The goal is to provide safe pathways for pedestrian travel throughout the city.

In North Olmsted, the property owner is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the sidewalk adjacent to their properties. Many homeowners have difficulty finding a contractor that is willing to repair a small number of sidewalk blocks due to the labor costs and logistics involved. Because of this, the City will use a competitive bid process to find a contractor that will complete an entire area of sidewalk repairs. This will help residents repair their sidewalks in a more timely and cost effective manner.

For the purpose of this program, the city has been divided into separate geographical areas, as shown on the map available below. For the 2019 program, the sidewalks in areas B and C were inspected in accordance with the criteria established by the City Engineer to determine if sidewalk repairs are necessary. Sidewalks will be inspected outside of the geographical area by the Division of Building only if a complaint is received on the condition of the sidewalk.

Sidewalk Program Master Map

**UPDATE: Due to the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Sidewalk Program has been delayed. Property owners will be notified once the program resumes.

Inspection Criteria

A city inspector will identify sidewalk blocks for repair or replacement that meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Vertical flaw of 1 inch at joint, 3 inches at tree roots, or slope exceeding 1 inch per foot
• Horizontal gap or crack 1 inch or more
• Instability, structural damage, pitting, scaling, spalling or deterioration

If sidewalk has been damaged by a street tree within the public right of way, the contractor will remove the tree root or tree causing the issue. The homeowner will be responsible for replacement of the associated sidewalk slabs.

Inspection Form

Repair Process

The inspector will report deficiencies to the homeowner on a Sidewalk Inspection Report. Acceptable methods to repair sidewalk deficiencies are also shown on the inspection report. 

Property owners adjacent to any sidewalk that is marked for repair will be notified of their responsibility to repair the sidewalk through a notification letter that is sent to the owner of record by certified mail, as listed at the Cuyahoga County Auditor’s Office.

Along with the notification letter, copies of the Sidewalk Inspection Report, sidewalk specification sheet, and estimated repair costs are mailed to the property owner. There are two options for repairing the sidewalks:

1. The property owner can make their own repairs. A sidewalk repair permit is required. The homeowners may do the work themselves or hire a contractor to complete the repairs. The deadline for repairs will be indicated in the notice. After repairs are completed, please contact the Engineering Department for a re-inspection.
2. The property owner can take no action upon receipt of the notice and have the City’s contractor do the work. The City pays the contractor for the actual cost of the work. A completion notice and invoice will be mailed to the homeowner after the work is completed which will indicate the City’s cost of completing and inspecting the repairs, as well as restoring the lawn area. The homeowner may review the costs and make payment or no payments to the City. If no payment is made, a homeowner’s balance will be assessed to their property taxes.

For contractors who can grind, level and/or replace sidewalks, click here.

Permits

A permit is required for the repair work only if the sidewalk will be replaced. The contractor performing the work will need to be registered with the City. The fee for this permit is $30. A permit application can be downloaded and completed and sent in to the Building Department. 

Pavement Rehab Details

Contact

Engineering Department
(440) 716-4134