Sidewalk Replacement Program

Program Details

The City recognizes sidewalk maintenance can be expensive. The Sidewalk Replacement Program helps offset some of the expense to residential property owners by reimbursing them for the cost of materials for qualifying sidewalk repairs. Funding for this program is determined annually and is awarded on a first come, first serve basis.

Eligibility

The sidewalk must be an existing public sidewalk located in the street right-of-way. The adjacent property must have residential zoning (R-1, R-2 or R-3). Sidewalks adjacent to businesses and industries are not eligible under this program. Only sidewalks meeting one or more of the violation criteria specified below are eligible. The City must inspect the existing sidewalk before any work is performed.

Violation Criteria

Uneven Surface
Holes, depressions or raised elevations greater than 1/2 inch above the established level of the sidewalk.

Overgrowth
Weeds or other vegetation growing between the cracks and joints.

Deteriorated Sidewalks
Any broken section with cracks larger than 1/2 inch in width, sections that have multiple cracks or sections with significant spalling.

Tree Roots
Damage to sections of sidewalks caused by tree roots that result in any of the criteria above. Tree situations will be evaluated by the City Forester on a case-by-case basis to determine the best way to prevent future damage and still maintain the tree, if possible.

Americans with Disabilities Act
Sidewalk which exceeds the maximum allowable cross slope (2% or 1/4" per foot) or running slope (5% or 1 foot in 20 feet).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I also replace the walkway that leads up to my house?
Yes, but the sidewalk leading from the street to the house is not eligible for the program.

I had to fix my sidewalk a few years ago. Can I get any reimbursement now?
No, we do not retroactively reimburse, especially if no inspections were completed at the time the sidewalk was installed.

I participated in the sidewalk program a few years ago. Can I use the sidewalk program again?
Yes, as long as the sidewalk is in violation of city code or ADA, it is eligible for participation in any year.

Only three squares of my sidewalk were marked for repair. Can I replace the whole sidewalk?
You can replace sections of sidewalk that were not marked by the City, but those repairs will not be eligible for reimbursement.

Who is responsible for the sidewalk in front of my home?
State statute and the City of McPherson Code both dictate that is is the duty of the adjacent property owner to keep the sidewalk in repair. Nothing in this program relieves you of the responsibility to maintain and repair your sidewalk.

Do I have to hire a contractor or can I do the repairs myself?
You can make repairs yourself or hire a contractor as long as you obtain a sidewalk construction permit, complete all required inspections and properly construct the sidewalk to meet City specifications.

I have seen some sidewalks 4' wide and some 5' wide. Which is right?
If you are replacing the entire sidewalk in front of your house, it must be 5' wide. If you are only replacing a portion of the sidewalk, match the existing width.

Voluntary Participation

After you contact the City, an inspector will assess the condition of the sidewalk on your property. The inspector will mark all sidewalk panels that meet one or more of the violation criteria and calculate the eligible participation amount. The City will send a letter with the total amount eligible for City funding and an official participation form.

If you decide to complete the work and participate in the program, sign and return the form to the City Offices. The City will send a notice to proceed with your project if funds are still available. You will have 30 days to complete the sidewalk work unless otherwise approved by the Public Works Director.

You or your contractor must call for a pre-construction inspection before placing any concrete. A City inspector will inspect the sidewalk forms and reinforcing steel to ensure they meet City requirements. After all work is finished, the City inspector will complete a final inspection before payment is issued.

Abatement of Incomplete Work

If you do not complete the work within 30 days of signing the agreement, you will no longer be eligible for reimbursement under the sidewalk program. The City may hire an abatement contractor to complete the work, and you will be billed for any and all costs associated with completing the repairs.

Get Started

City of McPherson
Public Works Department
400 E. Kansas
McPherson, KS 67460
620.245.2545