Sidewalk Information
FAQ's and Helpful Tips on Sidewalk Maintenance
Who's responsible for sidewalk maintenance? Though sidewalk is considered public right of way, it is the property owner’s responsibility to maintain the safety of the sidewalk. This includes keeping snow and ice off the sidewalk in the winter and repairing cracked, broken, or raised sidewalk in the warmer months. In the instance where the City is either notified of sidewalk in need of repair or the City is performing curb and gutter work, the sidewalk that is in need of repair will be marked with pink paint and a notice will be sent to the property owner. If tree roots are causing the sidewalk to raise and/or crack, a permit must be completed with the City Forestry Department to ensure the proper removal of tree roots so neither the sidewalk nor the tree will sustain further damage.
Does sidewalk repair require a permit? Yes, sidewalk repair does require a permit. There is no fee associated with this particular permit. You can either complete it online by clicking on this link and then emailing it to Wanda Fredrick at wfredrick@watertownwi.gov. You can also stop in the office where the permit is completed in just a few minutes. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. in Room 2003 on the second level of City Hall. A homeowner, contractor, or representative can obtain this permit.
Can a homeowner repair their own sidewalk? Sidewalk can be repaired by anyone so long as the proper rules and regulations are followed with the appropriate inspection being done BEFORE the concrete is poured. To schedule an inspection, please contact our office at least 24 hours before pouring concrete by calling our office at (920) 262-4040. Please click here for the Concrete Sidewalk Specifications and other additional information. Please remember to plan ahead for weekend projects. If you wish to pour concrete over the weekend, we will have to inspect the sidewalk forms NO LATER than Thursday.
Are there any other options other than complete sidewalk replacement? There are times the City allows horizontal saw cutting to remove vertical displacements on concrete sidewalks. Please click here for the criteria.