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- Sidewalk Repair Program
Sidewalk Repair Program
Sidewalks are an important part of the infrastructure in an urban community. Sidewalks connect neighborhoods, schools, parks and businesses and provide safe passage for citizens to get around the community.
They are typically constructed within the public right-of-way. The adjacent property owner is responsible for the construction, repair and maintenance of sidewalks. Property owners have the responsibility to make sure sidewalks are safe, in good repair and clear of impediments, including the removal of snow and ice.
The purpose of the program is to formalize a process where the City of Johnston will inspect sidewalks and order their repair, replacement, or construction.
The program will also identify gaps in existing sidewalks so the city can order construction to fill the gaps to improve the connectivity of sidewalks. The result of the inspection and construction program is to ensure sidewalks are adequately maintained to enhance user safety and ensure the continuity of sidewalks to create a walkable community.
This program will address the following situations:
- Existing sidewalks that need to be repaired or replaced
- Sidewalks that have been previously deferred by the action of the City Council
- Existing developments in which sidewalks have not been constructed
- Properties within existing developments where there are gaps in the continuity of the sidewalks due to lots that have not been developed
- Sidewalks along minor arterial and collector streets
- Sidewalks in areas where it has been determined there is significant pedestrian traffic
The City has been divided into eight zones and each year staff, or a contracted firm will inspect a zone to determine if sidewalks need to be repaired, replaced, or constructed.
A property owner may choose to repair or construct the sidewalk on their own, contract using a qualified contractor, or have the sidewalk repaired or constructed under the City contract. If the property owner chooses to have the sidewalk repaired or constructed under the City contract, they may choose to pay the cost of the repair or installation directly or have the cost included in the special assessment
- 1. Who is responsible for maintaining sidewalks adjacent to a resident’s home or other property?
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Iowa State Code and City Ordinance have established that the maintenance and repair of sidewalks is the responsibility of the adjoining property owner. This is detailed in the Iowa Code section 364.12(d) and the City of Johnston Code Book Chapter 136 Sidewalk regulations (136.05) and provides the City of Johnston the ability to require an owner to repair a sidewalk adjacent to their property.
- 2. What opportunity does the city’s sidewalk program offer to residents?
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By opting into the city’s sidewalk program, it offers the property owner a low-cost solution to repair/replace sidewalk panels that are out of compliance with city, state and federal guidelines. The more residents that join the program, the better price the city will receive from a contractor. This will save the property owner time and money by not having to locate and hire individual contractors for their replacement project.
- 3. When will my sidewalks be inspected?
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The city has been divided into eight segments and all sidewalks in each of the segments will be inspected in the same year. In addition, if a complaint is received on the condition of a sidewalk, an inspection will be made at the time the complaint is received.
Documents for Residents
The documents below provide information for residents questions residents have on how to opt-in to the program, or how to fill in the gaps if you wish to perform the work.
- Learn the correct way to fill gaps in your sidewalks (PDF).
- Here are some tips for grinding your sidewalk effectively for repairs (PDF).
- Discover the significance behind repair codes and their meanings (PDF).
- Discover the common questions asked by residents prior to conducting any repairs (PDF).
- Please print out the sidewalk repair form (PDF) and submit it to Johnston Public Works, or fill out the online form. Once submitted it will be sent directly to Public Works.
Public Communication
- View (PDF) of the presentation during the public meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023.
- View (PDF) the presentation during the public meeting on Monday, Feb. 13, 2023.
- View (PDF) the letter sent to residents on January 27, 2023, regarding the sidewalk program, segment 1 information meeting on February 13, 2023.
Click on the map below to view a PDF of the map. Below is a listing of the division areas.
1: Yellow (Green Meadows - work being performed in 2023)
2: Pink (Green Meadows west)
3: Green
4: Grey
5: Pink
6: Orange
7: Dark Blue
8: Light Blue