Sidewalk Maintenance and Repair

• FAQs
• Municipal Code: Chapter 29: Streets, Sidewalks and Driveways

Redwood City endeavors to maintain approximately 300 miles of public sidewalks in a safe condition. Due to the magnitude of this task, not all the sidewalks can be constantly maintained or repaired simultaneously. Ttree roots are a primary source of sidewalk damage, Redwood City has developed two programs that address sidewalk maintenance and repair (see below), while retaining the adjacent trees. In addition, several temporary remedies are utilized, until a more permanent solution can be applied through one of the two programs.

The Tree Preservation and Sidewalk Repair Program:

• Replaces sidewalks in a neighborhood, block-by-block format throughout the city.
• The program covers approximately 1/20th of the city per year. Taking 20 years to complete a cycle.
• The adjacent tree and tree root problem is addressed, while attempting to preserve the tree.
• Rubber sidewalks are installed adjacent to trees.
• Includes installing wheel chair ramps on every corner.

The 50/50 Cost Shared Sidewalk Repair Program:

• Available anywhere in the city, where the property owner agrees to co-pay 50% of the cost of concrete repairs.
• Once property owner pays half of the repair estimate, the repair is scheduled and implemented.
• The adjacent tree and tree root problem is addressed at no additional cost to the property owner.
• Rubber sidewalks are installed adjacent to trees.
• Wheelchair ramp requests are also constructed.

When a situation exists that does not fit into either program above, one of the following three temporary solutions is applied to alleviate the sidewalk offset.

1. Sidewalk ramping - the offset edge or depression is alleviated using an asphalt ramp or patch. The adjacent tree and tree root situation is not resolved at this time. Addresses are placed on the street crew’s ramping list to be completed as soon as the work can be scheduled.
2. Sidewalk grinding - the raised edge of the sidewalk is milled to be level with the adjacent sidewalk. The adjacent tree and tree root situation is not resolved at this time. Addresses are placed on the street crew’s grinding list to be completed as soon as the work can be scheduled.
3. Asphalt sidewalk replacement - the severely displaced concrete sidewalk is removed and replaced with an asphalt sidewalk. The adjacent tree and tree root situation is not resolved at this time. Addresses are placed on the street crew’s asphalt sidewalk replacement list to be completed as soon as the work can be scheduled.

If you feel your sidewalk is in need of maintenance, Please submit a report on the Report Problems web page, call (650) 780-7464, or send an e-mail to mmateo@redwoodcity.org to request an inspection. Please provide the exact address of the sidewalk location and your name and daytime telephone number. An inspection will be promptly scheduled.