Sidewalk Repair Program

Last updated November 5, 2008

The City of Livermore answers your questions about the Sidewalk Repair Program:

Sidewalk repair is important to both the appearance and value of property in Livermore, and more importantly, may save a pedestrian from injury. Following are some of the most common questions that are asked about this subject and their answers:

How can I get my sidewalk repaired?

The City of Livermore currently has a Sidewalk Repair Program which duplicates the previous Measure "R" program offering an opportunity for the City to pay 25% of the total cost of the repair to your sidewalk. Under this program, the City has established a $1,588.00 ceiling on the amount any one property owner must pay for sidewalk-related repairs to the frontage of an owner-occupied residential parcel. The City annually retains a qualified contractor through a competitive bidding process to do all the sidewalk repair work within the City. Before any work begins, an estimate is sent to all property owners owning parcels which are on the list to be repaired. All work is coordinated and inspected by the City. Upon completion, a bill for 75% of the repairs is sent to each property owner.

Why doesn't the City pay 100%?

The Streets and Highways Code of the State of California places on each property owner the responsibility for the sidewalk abutting his or her property. Since November, 1988 when Measure R was passed by the voters, the City has been able to offer citizens help by paying for a portion  of the repairs. By doing this, we are able to relieve citizens of some of the burden and to repair many more sidewalks each year than would be possible  if the City tried to pay for the entire cost.  The portion currently paid by the City is 25%.

How are the repair sites selected?

Repair locations come from several sources including volunteers (property owners who call in and wish to be included) and citizens who call to report an unsafe condition they have observed. Calls are logged in the order they are received. Once a year, the locations are inspected to see if the damage meets the Sidewalk Repair Criteria. If the sidewalk qualifies for the program by meeting one of the criteria, it is marked with white paint, a work order is prepared, and it is included in the contract. Once a property is reported and is on the list, the repairs must be made either by the owner or by the City.

Can I do the repairs myself?

Yes. A City Encroachment Permit is required at no charge to the property owner and the finished work must be of professional quality and must conform with all applicable City standards. All work must be paid for by the property owner.

Will the City remove a tree that is damaging my sidewalk?

No. Every effort is made to preserve trees. The City will remove only dead or potentially hazardous trees under this program. Tree roots may be the cause of your sidewalk problem, in which case, they will be cut back and a root barrier installed when appropriate. Caution must be used in cutting roots. If the root trimming creates a potentially hazardous tree, the City will require the removal of the tree and may require that a new tree be planted with a deep tree well and root barrier to help prevent re-occurrence of sidewalk damage. The City will pay 25% of the cost of installation of root barriers and/or removal and replacement of trees if said work is necessary and if the work is performed under the City's sidewalk repair contract. Trees that are not a hazard and are responsible for disrupting sidewalks, curbing and street areas may be removed by the property owner, at their own expense upon the issuance of a permit by the City and an agreement by the property owner to place another tree in a better location on the property at the property owners expense. Permits may be obtained at no charge from the Maintenance Division, telephone (925) 960-8020.

---

For any questions regarding the Sidewalk Repair Program, you are invited to call the City's Engineering Division at (925) 960-4500, or visit in person at 1052 South Livermore Avenue.