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Homeowners Should Repair Cracked Sidewalks and Driveways

9/23/2013

42 Comments

 
"Having a cracked side walk in front of a house is a hazard that can lead to bodily injury liability issues for the homeowner. Insurance companies inspect the properties they insure from time to time and can require that cracked sidewalks and driveways be repaired as a condition of continuing to insure the home. To learn more, call Elissa at 707-935-6294 x 102 or Email your question."

One and three-quarter inches. That’s a number property owners should think about in the upcoming weeks. It’s a number that is crucial in a project the city is considering to repair sidewalk trip-hazards. And it is the threshold beyond which expensive sidewalk repairs could be required that, under state law, property owners will have to help pay for.
Director of Public Works and City Engineer Dan Takasugi is proposing the project to proactively fix trip-hazards all over Sonoma. Formally called the Sidewalk Trip-Hazard Repair Policy, Takasugi’s plan will divide Sonoma into 11 phases for cutting, starting in the Plaza and moving to areas with heavier foot traffic, with older sidewalk age and areas with “at-risk” populations (elderly and children, for example).

Takasugi initially presented this project to the City Council at its Aug. 19 meeting, noting that, historically, the City of Sonoma enforced the sidewalk repair ordinance by complaint only, and has not actively inspected sidewalks for trip-hazards.

Takasugi also explained that when repairs are too extensive to use the saw-cutting method – meaning a trip-hazard raised more than 1.75 inches – the city would share a portion of the repair costs with adjoining property owners who, many may be shocked to learn, have legal responsibility for the condition of sidewalks fronting their property lines. During the meeting, he noted the cost as anywhere from $600 to $1,500, but later stated costs would vary based on location and severity.

The project would be funded through the city’s general fund and Measure J tax dollars. It is budgeted at $50,000 per year, over the course of a proposed 11 year period, Takasugi said, with approximately half of the funding used for saw-cutting the minor trip-hazards, and the other half for cost-sharing repairs of larger trip-hazards.

Assistant Attorney John Abaci said there have undoubtedly been trip and fall cases in which an individual sued the City of Sonoma and the neighboring property owner. While no recent cases came to mind and liability in these lawsuits is determined on a case-by-case basis, Abaci said the city would like to avoid situations where it is named as a defendant. Under California’s Streets and Highway Code, explained Abaci, nearby property owners are responsible for maintaining sidewalks compliant with city code.

As outlined in the state’s code, cities can give abutting property owners notice to make repairs necessary to improve sidewalk safety conditions, but this requires a special assessment and a lien on the property when the hazard is not immediately taken care of by the owner, Abaci explained.

“My understanding from this proposal is to remedy those conditions that are found to be hazardous to the public and do it in a manor that will be more expedited instead of just sending out letters and going through a longer process,” Abaci said.

Takasugi’s plan uses the proprietary saw-cutting system of Precision Concrete Cutting, a national company with a branch in San Mateo. Company representative Joe Fouret explained, when the sidewalk is raised close to two inches, it cannot be cut using Precision’s method as it would weaken the sidewalk to a point that could create more cracks. In such a case, property owners will be given notice that they will have to fix the trip-hazard or share the cost with the city, Takasugi said.

The company’s unique method, said Fouret, aims not only to remove trip hazards through the saw cutting process, but also makes the sidewalk ADA compliant by ensuring proper slope and assessment of the area.

Precision has six patents on the specialized method, in which a crew of three people uses a diamond blade to saw the raised part of the sidewalk. “We are removing trip hazards from the ground up,” Fouret said, adding the small crew can repair up to 150 different hazards in day.

Fouret explained that most sidewalk deficiencies are caused by tree roots and said Precision’s method is especially efficient in Sonoma where there is a heritage tree law that protects some trees and requires certain precautions and specialized removal of trees in normal sidewalk repair methods. In areas where saw-cutting is possible, Fouret explained, trees will likely not be disturbed.

The first phase, which covers roughly five to six blocks, is slated to begin in November, said Takasugi.

Takasugi had been hopeful the project proposal would make it on the agenda for approval at the Sept. 16 City Council meeting, but the proposal is still being reviewed by the City Attorney and will likely be on the agenda later this fall.

To learn more about your property's insurance, call Elissa at 707-935-6294 x 102 or Email your question.
42 Comments
Millie Hue link
4/25/2018 11:24:48 pm

The sidewalk outside our house has been damaged after a post collapsed last Monday. We plan on hiring a contractor to fix it since there are accidents waiting to happen if we leave it like that. I think that it's a great idea to make the homeowners responsible for the sidewalk in front of their house. It's interesting how some cities require the homeowners to do this, and I agree with that since it is for the safety of everyone.

Reply
root king apk link
9/20/2018 12:49:24 pm

This is the right blog for anyone who wants to find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually would want?HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a topic thats been written about for years. Great stuff, just great!

Reply
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Reply
Grand Rapids Concrete Pros link
9/29/2021 06:36:36 pm

At the very least, monitor the cracks, and take steps to replace the walkway if they get bigger.

Reply
Concrete Driveways Adelaide link
10/23/2021 10:05:56 am

Well, I am planning to construct a personal road from the main road to my home, so I have contacted Concrete Driveways Adelaide professionals to get an estimation. Now, I am going to manage a handsome budget before starting the construction. I am sure that these guys will help in repairing the driveways as well.

Reply
Jonathan link
11/29/2021 01:53:19 am

Concrete leveling can usually be completed in one day and is less costly and disruptive than concrete replacement.

Reply
David link
12/6/2021 04:05:43 am

It's interesting how some cities require homeowners to do this, and I agree because it's for everyone's safety. Concrete leveling is typically completed in a single day and is less expensive and disruptive than concrete replacement. Fantastic work, absolutely amazing!

Reply
concrete coating link
3/10/2022 07:59:49 am

This phase in the preconstruction process shows that you are willing to go above and beyond to achieve a high-quality product. If you're going to use a new material, this strategy will come in handy. When the final appearance is revealed before the job begins, disagreements should be low. You may be compensated for your time and materials in some cases.

Reply
Concrete service columbus link
8/7/2022 04:34:12 pm

This is the third time I visited in this blog. keep posting such stuff. Thanks a lot for the information.

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concrete driveway contractors link
11/26/2022 06:45:48 am

Homeowners are responsible for maintaining their sidewalks and driveways in a safe and functional condition. Cracks in these surfaces can pose a serious tripping hazard, and can also damage vehicles that drive over them. Repairing cracks as soon as they appear is the best way to keep your sidewalk and driveway safe and functional.

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John Bravo link
1/17/2023 04:27:24 pm

I got a crack in my driveway, I been needing to get it done, I'll save this article!

Reply
stone resurfacing link
6/9/2024 04:58:06 am

Having a cracked sidewalk in front of a house is a significant hazard that can lead to serious bodily injury and liability issues for the homeowner. Such defects increase the risk of trips and falls, potentially causing harm to pedestrians. If someone is injured due to the damaged sidewalk, the homeowner may be held legally responsible for medical expenses and other damages. Therefore, maintaining a safe and even sidewalk is crucial to prevent accidents and avoid potential legal repercussions.

Reply
Concrete patios link
8/20/2024 11:38:09 pm

Homeowners should repair cracked sidewalks and driveways to prevent accidents and ensure safety for pedestrians. Fixing these cracks also helps maintain the property's value and curb appeal. Prompt repairs can prevent minor cracks from worsening, saving homeowners from more costly repairs in the future.

Reply
Roofing Companies Near Me link
9/19/2024 07:18:35 am

Thank you for shedding light on this important issue! It's great to see proactive measures being taken to ensure sidewalk safety in Sonoma. If you happen to need a roof repair during this time, feel free to visit our site for assistance.

Reply
Flat Roofing Portchester link
9/19/2024 07:54:25 am

Thank you for the detailed update on the sidewalk repair project—it’s great to see proactive measures being taken for public safety. Addressing these trip-hazards is crucial, and it’s helpful to understand how property owners may be affected. If you happen to need a roof repair or any other home maintenance services, feel free to visit our site. We’re here to help!

Reply
Slate Roof link
9/21/2024 04:25:47 am

Thank you for sharing this insightful information about the sidewalk repair project. It's great to see proactive steps being taken to improve safety in the community. If you're a homeowner in need of roof repairs or maintenance, feel free to visit our site for expert services.

Reply
Roofing Companies Near Me link
9/23/2024 04:19:03 am

Thank you for the detailed information on sidewalk safety and liability! It's certainly crucial to stay on top of potential hazards before they become an intricate problem for both safety and insurance reasons. If you happen to need a roof repair, feel free to visit our site—we’re here to help!

Reply
Roofer Maidstone link
9/23/2024 04:21:25 am

Thank you for sharing this valuable information about sidewalk hazards and the responsibility of property owners. It's a great reminder to stay on top of repairs to avoid costly issues. If you happen to need a roof repair, feel free to visit our site for more information!

Reply
Roofers Near me link
9/28/2024 02:20:49 am

Thank you for the informative update on the sidewalk repair policy! It's great to see proactive efforts to address trip hazards in the community. If you happen to need roof repair services, feel free to visit our site—we’d be happy to assist!

Reply
Roofing Bedworth link
10/15/2024 04:26:29 am

Thank you for the informative update on Sonoma's sidewalk repair policy. It's great to see proactive measures being taken to improve safety for pedestrians, especially in high-traffic areas. For property owners, it’s good to stay informed about these responsibilities to avoid unexpected costs. And if you happen to need a roof repair alongside these sidewalk improvements, feel free to visit our site—we're here to help!

Reply
Slate Roof link
10/21/2024 11:28:48 pm

Thank you for sharing this important update! It's great to see proactive measures being taken to address sidewalk trip-hazards, ensuring the safety of the community. If any property owners find themselves needing roof repairs in addition to sidewalk fixes, feel free to visit our website—we're here to help with all your home maintenance needs!

Reply
Roofing Woodley link
10/23/2024 08:15:59 am

Thank you for highlighting the importance of the Sidewalk Trip-Hazard Repair Policy! It’s crucial for property owners to be aware of these regulations and the potential costs involved. Keeping our sidewalks safe not only helps prevent accidents but also maintains the overall appeal of our community. If you happen to need a roof repair, feel free to visit our site!

Reply
CLICK HERE link
11/6/2024 10:53:55 am

Thank you for sharing this important information about sidewalk trip-hazards and property owner responsibilities. It's a reminder of how crucial it is to maintain the areas around our homes and businesses to avoid potential issues. If you happen to need a roof repair, feel free to visit our site!

Reply
Roofers Near me link
11/13/2024 06:55:08 am

Thank you for shedding light on this sidewalk repair policy! It’s great to see proactive steps being taken to reduce trip hazards, especially in high-traffic and at-risk areas. Many property owners may not realize they’re responsible for maintaining adjacent sidewalks, so this is a good heads-up for anyone in the area. If anyone also needs roof repairs to ensure safety and compliance on another front, feel free to visit our site. We’d be happy to help keep your property in top condition!

Reply
Lead Flashing link
12/5/2024 07:03:48 am

Thank you for sharing this important information! It's great to see cities taking proactive steps to address sidewalk safety. It's also a good reminder for property owners to be mindful of trip-hazards. If you happen to need a roof repair, feel free to visit our site for more information!

Reply
CLICK HERE link
12/11/2024 08:57:43 am

Thank you for sharing this valuable information about the sidewalk trip-hazard repair project in Sonoma. It's eye-opening to learn how even minor height discrepancies, like the 1.75-inch threshold, can lead to costly repairs for property owners. Being proactive in addressing these hazards is important for both safety and community well-being. If you ever need assistance with roof repairs or any other property-related concerns, feel free to visit our site!

Reply
Slate Roof link
12/18/2024 06:43:17 am

Thank you for sharing this important information about sidewalk repairs and liability concerns. It’s a great reminder of how proactive maintenance can prevent bigger issues, both financially and legally. Similarly, taking care of your roof is another vital aspect of home maintenance to avoid potential hazards. If you ever need roof repair services, feel free to visit our website—we’d be happy to assist!

Reply
Roofing Wallingford link
12/18/2024 08:26:36 am

Thank you for sharing this important information about sidewalk repair and safety. It's great to see proactive measures being taken to prevent injuries and maintain property value. It's always wise for homeowners to stay on top of these types of issues to avoid potential liabilities. If you happen to need a roof repair, feel free to visit our site for expert services!

Reply
Roofer Hedge End link
1/3/2025 10:35:36 am

Thank you for sharing this important information! It's essential to stay on top of sidewalk and driveway maintenance not only for safety reasons but also to avoid potential liability issues with your insurance. Cracked surfaces can be a significant hazard. If you happen to need a roof repair, feel free to visit our site for more information and expert services.

Reply
Lead Flashing link
1/7/2025 11:33:06 pm

Thank you for shedding light on this important sidewalk repair initiative in Sonoma. It’s great to see proactive measures being taken to ensure public safety. If you happen to need roof repair services for your property, feel free to visit our site—we’d be happy to assist!

Reply
Roof Repair Sturminster Newton link
1/15/2025 10:22:05 am

This is an insightful article about sidewalk maintenance and the shared responsibility between cities and property owners. It’s essential to be proactive in addressing trip hazards to prevent accidents and potential liabilities. If you’re a property owner, keeping your sidewalk in good condition can save you from unexpected costs. Similarly, if your property needs roof repairs to stay safe and compliant, feel free to visit our site—we’re here to help!

Reply
Roof Repairs Near Me link
1/17/2025 02:24:22 am

Thank you for sharing this important update! It’s good to see the city taking proactive steps to address trip-hazards and prevent accidents. As a property owner, understanding these thresholds can help in planning for any potential repair costs. If you happen to need a roof repair, feel free to visit our site!

Reply
Flat Roof Repairs link
1/30/2025 06:53:26 am

Thank you for the valuable information on cracked sidewalks and driveways! It’s crucial for homeowners to address these issues promptly, not just to avoid potential injuries but also to prevent future costs and insurance complications. Repairing cracked sidewalks can avoid liability concerns and help keep everyone safe. If you're in need of roofing services or repairs, feel free to visit our site for assistance!

Reply
Roofing Arundel link
1/30/2025 06:55:50 am

Thank you for sharing this important information! It’s crucial for homeowners to stay on top of sidewalk and driveway maintenance to avoid potential liability and meet insurance requirements. The city's proactive approach to addressing sidewalk trip-hazards is a great step toward safety, especially in areas with high foot traffic. If you're ever in need of roofing repairs, feel free to visit our site for more information and assistance!

Reply
Roofer Tuxford link
2/5/2025 12:39:39 am

Sidewalk maintenance is something many property owners don’t think about until it becomes a problem. It’s good to see the city taking a proactive approach to address trip hazards, especially in high-traffic areas. The cost-sharing aspect may surprise some homeowners, but keeping sidewalks safe benefits everyone. If you ever need roof repairs while tackling home maintenance projects, feel free to visit our site—we’re here to help!

Reply
Lead Flashing link
2/14/2025 02:40:52 am

Thank you for sharing this important information! Cracked sidewalks and driveways can pose serious safety risks and even lead to costly liabilities. Staying on top of repairs is definitely a smart move for homeowners. If you happen to need a roof repair as well, feel free to visit our site—we’d be happy to help!

Reply
Roofing Windsor link
2/14/2025 05:08:18 am

Thank you for sharing this important information! Sidewalk maintenance is often overlooked, but it’s crucial for safety and avoiding liability issues. It’s also good to know that insurance companies take this into account. If you happen to need a roof repair, feel free to visit our site—we’d be happy to help!

Reply
Flat Roof Repairs link
3/4/2025 08:56:38 am

Thank you for this informative post! Keeping sidewalks in good condition is crucial for both safety and liability reasons. It's great to see proactive efforts to address trip hazards in the community. If you happen to need a roof repair, feel free to visit our site—we’d be happy to help!

Reply
Roofing Maidstone link
3/10/2025 01:04:34 pm

Great information on the importance of maintaining sidewalks! Cracked or uneven pavement isn’t just an eyesore—it’s a liability. Proactive repairs can prevent costly issues down the road. If you ever need driveway repairs, feel free to visit our site—we’d be happy to help!

Reply
Roof Repairs Near Me link
3/12/2025 11:46:29 am

Thank you for sharing this important information! Cracked sidewalks can be a serious safety concern, and it's great to see proactive efforts to address trip hazards in the community. Property owners should definitely stay ahead of these repairs to avoid liability issues and potential insurance complications. If you happen to need a roof repair, feel free to visit our site—we’d be happy to help!

Reply
Pitched Roof link
4/4/2025 08:10:24 am

Thank you for sharing this valuable information! It's important for homeowners to stay on top of sidewalk repairs to avoid potential liability issues. Being proactive about fixing trip-hazards can save significant costs and headaches down the road. If you happen to need a roof repair or any other property maintenance, feel free to visit our site—we’re here to help with all your repair needs!

Reply
Flat Roof Repairs link
4/11/2025 07:40:04 am

Thank you for sharing this helpful information! It’s a great reminder of how important it is for homeowners to stay on top of repairs like cracked sidewalks and driveways — not only for safety but also to avoid potential liability issues. If you happen to need any roof repairs as well, feel free to visit our website — we’d be happy to help!

Reply



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