City offers residents help with sidewalk repair costs
Sausalito will split the cost of sidewalk repairs with homeowners through a new program.
The City Council unanimously approved a pilot of an annual sidewalk repair program at its April 16 meeting. The program is aimed at helping property owners in the city repair sidewalks fronting their homes, which according to state and city code is their responsibility to maintain. Despite this, many residents remain unaware of the rule, according to city staff.
“This was something that was surprising to me to learn, that
the sidewalks were not primarily the city's to maintain,” Vice Mayor Joan Cox said. “So I'm really pleased to hear your proposal that the city help to defray that cost.”
Public Works Director Kevin McGowan said repairs can be pricey, which is often a barrier to fixing the sidewalks. The initiative is meant to encourage property owners to repair their sidewalks with the city paying 50% of the repair costs up to $1,000. The sidewalk plan would be part of the capital improvement program for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
Sidewalks that are in poor condition can be a safety hazard. Maintaining a sidewalk includes
root trimming and barriers, removing weeds and debris, and trimming shrubs as well as replacing the sidewalk, curbs and gutters if needed.
“We need residents to help us to fix these sidewalks and it's better to be proactive and cooperative than it is to go down the nuisance abatement process all the time and trying to get folks to do things,” McGowan said.
City Attorney Sergio Rudin said Sausalito has received 26 claims in the past 10 years relating to sidewalk repair and maintenance.
McGowan said the city is fully responsible for repairing sidewalks that have been damaged