The City of Allen Park
* Building & Engineering *

NOTICE OF SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT

Notice is hereby given that sidewalk marking has begun. Your sidewalk has been marked for replacement; you are hereby given the opportunity to make repairs on your own. If your repairs are not completed within 30 days, the city will proceed with the work and will bill the property owner for such replacement.

We know you take pride in your property and you want to preserve its value. Sidewalks are important to both appearance and value. The maintenance of the same is required to save a pedestrian from injury and you from a potentially expensive lawsuit. Your cooperation will be appreciated. In order that you might be a more informed home owner and thus understand your City’s Sidewalk Program, we have taken the liberty of outlining a few questions and answers for your convenience.

Why me?

This is part of an ongoing program that covers the entire city approximately every three years. The City has easement rights on your property between the sidewalk and the curb. We take our responsibility very seriously, and attempt to prevent any injuries.

Why must I pay for it?

Property owners are responsible for the sidewalk abutting their property. The courts hold property owners and the city responsible for injuries to people who have fallen on defective sidewalks.

What is required?

This document tells you what criteria are used for marking the sidewalk. If you have any questions, you may call the Engineering Department at (313) 928-4111, Monday thru Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. When you place your call, there may be times that we are on another line. Please leave a detailed message with your address and phone number. You will be contacted by phone, mail or in person. If you have not been contacted within 5 working days, please call again.

Can I do the work myself or hire my own contractor?

Yes, you may do the work yourself or hire your own contractor, however, the work must be completed within 30 days from the date of the concrete being marked. You must also call the Engineering Department when repairs or replacement are complete for final inspection so you property can be removed from the working list of the City's contractor.

What happens if I do not do the work myself?

The City will do the work at your expense. You will be billed when the work is compete. The invoice will be payable upon receipt and will be delinquent after 30 days. If delinquent, the amount of the invoice will be added to your 2004 summer city tax bill with a 6% late fee and a transfer fee of $75.00. If you need to be put on a payment schedule, we can work with you to spread the payments out. If you wish to take this option, please contact the Engineering Department upon receipt of your invoice.

Can patching of cracks or grinding of concrete be done?

No. Patching of cracks will not last through the winter. Grinding only reduces minimum thickness of concrete and affects the integrity of the cement. Cold patching is not allowed.

How soon can the new cement be driven on?

New cement cannot be driven on for at least 7 days to allow time for it to cure properly. If you choose to drive on it before the allotted time, neither the City, nor the contractor, will accept responsibility.

Once the Sidewalk Inspector has marked your sidewalk, you cannot remove the marks. The City keeps records of all cement that is marked.

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING SECTION VERY CAREFULLY!

Engineering - Sidewalk Zone Map.gif (596481 bytes)

Why was my sidewalk marked?

Following is a list of criteria used to mark sidewalk slabs for replacement:

Slab has settled or raised 1” or more.
Adjacent slabs have raised up or settled, causing a high or low point of 1”.
Sidewalk slab is sloped too steep (5/8” per foot or 3” in a 5’ slab).
Spalling ½” deep by 12” diameter or greater.

If you wish to have the work done yourself, the ordinance requires that the work be completed within 30 days from the date your concrete is marked. If work is not completed by the time the City Contractor is in your area, the City Contractor will automatically replace the marked sections.

Note: The City Contractor will be in your area approximately 30 days after marking concrete depending upon the amount of work to be done and weather conditions. Please watch for the barricades and make sure your vehicle is parked on the street if the work being performed will prevent you from driving on your driveway. If you have an in-ground sprinkler system, please mark sprinkler heads near any of the marked slabs.