As a result of the aging infrastructure and Painesville City Council's goal to "improve Painesville's environment and image," in 2018 City Council passed the Painesville City Sidewalk Program, a two phase improvement plan. The program was designed to benefit residents by improving the aesthetics of owner-occupied single-family homes, thus increasing property values and improving neighborhoods.

 

During Phase 1, city staff replaced damaged sidewalk slabs that fell under city responsibility and removed any trees that were deemed hazardous to sidewalks or infrastructure. Phase 2, has property owners replacing sidewalk slabs that fall under their responsibility and any trees that may be deemed hazardous to those sidewalks.

Replacement Criteria

1. Sidewalk slabs that are raised or settled creating a trip hazard
2. Sidewalks with a large number of cracks
3. Sidewalk slabs that have a large amount of surface spalling/chipping causing an uneven surface
4. Sidewalks that are any material but concrete

 

The Process

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Follow these steps to make sure you are in compliance with city code:

1. Apply for a sidewalk permit from the Engineering Department with a fee of $45 that covers the cost of two inspections.
2. Schedule your pre-pour inspection to verify depth, form work, preparation and condition of the subbase.
3. Have the concrete work done - you can do it yourself or hire a contractor.
4. Reseed your grass that was damaged due to the work.
5. Schedule a follow up inspection to verify restoration is complete.

After Replacement

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Restoration should begin as soon as possible after new sidewalks have been poured. Contractors are required to use high quality topsoil and seed to grow grass. Property owners can assist with this by watering the ground lightly everyday until grass has been mowed once or twice. Then water more heavily and less frequently.