Beavercreek starts sidewalk repair program, cites safety, accessibility
Beavercreek City Council has passed a resolution to implement a new sidewalk maintenance program to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility. The initiative aims to address the upkeep of more than 105 miles of sidewalks throughout the city.
The new program will begin in 2024 and align with the city’s annual street resurfacing and curb replacement program. City engineers will integrate sidewalk inspections along with their inspections of roadways and curbs, identifying areas in need of replacement to mitigate potential hazards along sidewalks. The goal of this program is to outline an orderly, consistent, and fiscally responsible process for sidewalk inspection and replacement before the city’s sidewalks deteriorate to the point that it could endanger public safety.
This program marks the city’s inaugural sidewalk maintenance program, responding to the aging infrastructure dating back to the 1980s when sidewalks became mandatory for residential subdivisions. Prior to this program, city sidewalk issues were only addressed upon complaint, due to financial constraints. The city’s ability to finance sidewalk repairs is limited as the city cannot utilize street levy funding to maintain or repair sidewalks.
As outlined in the Ohio Revised Code Chapter 729, the city reserves the right to implement a sidewalk assessment program. Similar programs exist in nearby municipalities including Oakwood, Huber Heights, Kettering, West Carrollton, Riverside, and Fairborn.
Under the new program, city of Beavercreek property owners will have two options for addressing sidewalk issues:
City-led repairs
Residents can opt for city-performed repairs and will likely benefit from cost savings through competitive bidding. Additionally, the city handles the coordination, scheduling, and quality control related to the work. Property owners may pay for the repairs in-full or elect to have the cost spread out over a 5-year period through a special assessment on their property taxes.
Self-repairs
Alternatively, property owners can undertake repairs independently, ensuring compliance with city codes and standards. Should your sidewalk be identified for repair or replacement, you will be asked to make the repairs within the time period stated on the written notice. If the work has not been performed by the provided deadline, the city will perform the work, with costs billed or assessed back to the property owner.
Contact the city’s engineering division by calling (937) 427-5513 or emailing publicservices@beavercreekohio.gov for additional information and questions.