Sidewalk Repair and Maintenance

Sidewalk Repair 

Safe, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods are a priority for our community. Iowa State Code 364.12(2c-e) and City Code Chapter 136.05 provides the City of Pleasant Hill the ability to require maintenance and repair of public sidewalks to be the responsibility of the adjoining property owner. Throughout the year, the Community Development Department inspects sidewalks with the objective of providing safe conditions for pedestrians.

Inspection Criteria 

The inspector marks white lines on sidewalk squares, which meet one or more of the following criteria:

1. Vertical separations equal to three-fourths (3/4) of an inch or more. 
2. Horizontal separations equal to three-fourths (3/4) inch or more.
3. Holes or depressions equal to three-fourths (3/4) inch or more. 
4. Chipped over fifty (50) percent of a single square or panel of sidewalk with one or more depressions equal to one-half (1/2) inch or more.
5. A single square or panel of sidewalk cracked in such a manner that no part thereof has a piece greater than one (1) square foot, or is cracked in such a manner that it constitutes danger or potential danger to the public.
6. A sidewalk with any part there of missing to the full depth.
7. A deviation on the staked and constructed grade equal to three-fourths (3/4) inch or more.

The inspector reports deficiencies to the homeowner.

Repair or Reconstruction Process 

Property owners adjacent to sidewalks that are marked for repair are notified of their responsibility to repair the sidewalk.  If a property owner is notified their sidewalk is defective, the owner is required to repair, replace, or reconstruct the sidewalk within a reasonable time frame. An earlier deadline may be given dependent upon the severity of the condition of the sidewalk.

A re-inspection of the sidewalks marked for repair is made after the deadline date. Satisfactory repairs are noted and no further action is necessary. However, if the repair work is unsatisfactory, the adjoining property owner is notified of such. If no attempt was made to repair the sidewalk, or if the unsatisfactory repairs were not corrected, a letter is sent to the owner notifying them that the City will be taking charge of the repair work.

The City then arranges for the completion of the repair work to the sidewalks. The adjoining property owner is invoiced for all construction costs. If the invoice remains unpaid, the costs are then assessed against the property.

A permit is required for a property owner or the contractor they hire to replace the sidewalk. A permit costs $25 and is available in the Building Department at City Hall, 5160 Maple Drive in Pleasant Hill. Sidewalk & Approach permit questions can answered by calling 515-309-9461. For more information on Sidewalk Ordinances, see the City Municipal Code (chapter 136).

Frequently Asked Questions 

Property owners can click here to review the frequently asked questions regarding sidewalk repair and maintenance.