Sidewalk Repair Program
Why Should I Participate?
By the City’s Municipal Code, property owners are responsible for maintaining the sidewalk bordering their property. Property owners have two options for sidewalk repair:
- Participate in the City’s Cost Shared Sidewalk Repair Program or
- Make the repair independently by hiring a licensed contractor and submitting a sidewalk repair permit.
Participating in the City’s program is efficient and cost-effective because no permits are needed and property owners can take advantage of the City’s contract pricing.
Program Eligibility
- Residential or non-profit property owners in Redwood City may participate.
- Non-profit properties include schools, churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, hospitals, etc.
- Commercial or rental properties are NOT eligible to participate.
- The driveway, driveway approach, private sidewalk, and ornamental concrete are NOT eligible, since they are private property.
How Do I Know If My Sidewalk Needs Repair?
Look for uplifted, cracked or deteriorated sidewalk. A basic guideline is that breaks bigger than three quarters (3/4) of an inch should be reported. This means sidewalks that look like the picture on the right should be reported.
Program Cost
- If eligible, costs are split between the property owner and the City.
- Eligible applicants will have at least 50% of costs covered by the City.
- Based on the applicant's household income, the City may cover a greater share, potentially up to 90% of costs.
- By splitting the cost, the City is able to relieve citizens of some of the burden and is able to repair many sidewalks.
- Costs will vary depending on the condition of the sidewalk.
How To Participate
- Contact Public Works Services by calling (650) 780-7464.
- City staff will inspect the sidewalk to determine if it meets the City's permanent repair criteria.
- Then, they will perform a one-time temporary repair to make the sidewalk safe.
- If repair criteria is met, City staff will provide a cost estimate for permanent repair.
- The City's contractor will perform the permanent repair at a later date.
Can I Do Repairs Myself?
- Yes. However, if you wish to do so, the full cost must be paid for by the property owner.
- Please visit the Permit Counter at City Hall to submit an Encroachment Permit Application. The Permit Counter is located on the first floor of City Hall, 1017 Middlefield Road.
- To find a qualified contractor please refer to the California Contractors State License Board.