Sidewalk Maintenance Program

2023 marks an exciting change to our sidewalk replacement policy. In the past, homeowners in Bexley have been responsible for the cost of replacing or repairing sidewalk panels showing significant deterioration or poor condition. This policy created  a higher financial burden on residents on corner lots or in areas of heavy sidewalk use. 

Fortunately, this policy has changed for the better. While owners will still be responsible for replacing or repairing damaged or broken panels resulting from a driveway construction  or improvement project, the City will now pay the replacement cost for panels identified for replacement or repair during routine sidewalk assessments. 

Each year approximately one-third of the city sidewalks are inspected running north to south. This allows the entire city to be inspected on a three-year rotation. Inspection involves walking each street and visually inspecting the sidewalk for damage.

Panels are marked either with an "X" denoting the deficiency is the responsibility of the property owner to repair or replace, or with a “C” denoting the deficiency is the responsibility of the city and will be replaced or repaired at the city's expense.

The criteria used to determine when a sidewalk must be replaced includes pitting, cracking, deterioration, broken corners and difference in elevation. A judgment must also be made when determining the condition as to whether or not the condition of the sidewalk is adequate to remain in a safe condition until the next tri-annual inspection.