Sidewalk Maintenance Program

Each year approximately one-third of the city sidewalks are inspected running north to south. This allows the entire city to be inspected on a three-year rotation. Inspection involves walking each street and visually inspecting the sidewalk for damage.

Panels are marked either with an "X" denoting the deficiency is the responsibility of the property owner to repair or replace, or with a “C” denoting the deficiency is the responsibility of the city and will be replaced or repaired at the city's expense.

The criteria used to determine when a sidewalk must be replaced includes pitting, cracking, deterioration, broken corners and difference in elevation. A judgment must also be made when determining the condition as to whether or not the condition of the sidewalk is adequate to remain in a safe condition until the next tri-annual inspection.

Contact Information

Phone: (614) 559-4220
Fax: (614) 559-4201

Contact & Location
2777 Delmar Drive
Bexley, Ohio 43209

Sidewalk Program FAQ

Why does the City inspect sidewalks?

Sidewalks are an important part of our community's mobility and livability. In almost every situation, sidewalks are dedicated public rights-of-way.

What is the law/ordinance specifying how the City inspects and requires repairs, and what does it say?

Bexley's codified ordinances specify that property owners are responsible for the replacement of damaged, deteriorated, or unsafe sidewalk panels. Policies and procedures for inspection of sidewalks and notification of property owners are established and maintained by the Service Director of the City of Bexley.

What is the criteria by which it is determined that a panel needs to be replaced?

The sidewalk is displaced with a vertical edge of 3/4” or more.
The sidewalk is depressed or raised more than 3” from the normal line of grade at any place.
The sidewalk has cracked into 3 or more pieces, has cracks that are between 1/4” to 3/4″ wide or greater or is missing a full depth piece of concrete.
The sidewalk has spalled over 75% of the surface.
The sidewalk has horizontal separations equal to or greater than 3/4” within the square, or greater than 1” at the sidewalk joints.
The cross slope of the sidewalk exceeds more than 1” per foot.
Missing slabs of sidewalk.

Can I do the repairs myself?

Property owners may perform the required repairs or replacements themselves within the given time frame. A sidewalk permit, filed online through our Building and Zoning department, is required for the replacement of the sidewalk. Repairs must be done in accordance with the City's specifications. Failure to get an inspection may require removal of the material.

Is it usually cheaper to use the City's contractor?

It is our opinion that the bids/costs the City receives are very competitive given the sheer volume of work. The city bids and rebids this work until we receive bids which we feel are on target given the current construction environment and the contractors who bid on this work are currently licensed with the City and are aware of our standards and specifications. Based on this, we expect this work to go very smoothly as the contractor will be mobilized within a specific part of the City allowing them to be more efficient. The City must pay prevailing wage rates for this work given the project's overall cost which adds some cost. However property owners are free to solicit for bids and compare them to the City's costs for reference. If a property owner chooses to go this route they must notify the City. All work must be performed by a licensed contractor in good standing with the City and be inspected accordingly.

Is there a process by which someone can appeal the designation of panels that need to be replaced, or whose responsibility those panels may be?

Property owners may contact the City's Service Department for additional clarification regarding the number and location of deficient panels and or inspection criteria.

Will there be an opportunity to "opt in" to the City doing the work for the property owner at some known price, or will failure by the homeowner to preemptively fix a panel lead to the City automatically replacing it and billing the homeowner?

Property owners can choose to do this work with their own contractor as described above or they may opt to have the City's contractor perform this work. If the property owner chooses the latter, payment must be received in full thirty days after receipt of invoice, or the property owner may choose to have the cost assessed on their property tax bill.

What are the consequences for choosing not to fix a panel?

Failure to contact the City will result in the City's contractor replacing all deficient panels. Payment must be received in full thirty (30) days after receipt of invoice, or the cost will be assessed to the property owner's property tax bill.