Sidewalk Programs

The City has two sidewalk programs. The Sidewalk Replacement Program is for existing hazardous and damaged sidewalk. The Sidewalk Gap Program is to complete gaps where no sidewalk exists. 

If you have questions regarding the sidewalk replacement program please call Engineering at 586-446-2720.


FAQs

WHY HAS MY SIDEWALK BEEN CHOSEN FOR REPLACEMENT?

We know that you take pride in your property and want to preserve its appearance, value and safety. During a recent inspection, City inspectors found sidewalk abutting your property that meets our replacement criteria. 

WHY IS REPLACEMENT NECESSARY?

Removal and replacement is necessary to provide a safe and uniform path for you and your neighbors.

HOW MUCH WILL THIS COST?

As a result of the voter approval of the Pathways to Play and Preservation (PPP) Milage in November 2024, the cost of the sidewalk replacement will be funded by the City and you will not receive any bill or invoice for the work.   

CAN I REPLACE ADDITIONAL SIDEWALK?

The sidewalk targeted for replacement was chosen due to meeting our established replacement criteria.  If you wish to have additional sidewalk or drive approaches replaced that is not included in scheduled repairs (cosmetic concrete replacement), the City’s contractor may perform the work  requested at contract cost.  A signed agreement will be required and with payment made directly to the contractor.   You must contact the City within one week of the sidewalk marking if you wish to have additional work done. 

WILL THE CONTRACTOR RESTORE MY LAWN AFTER THE WORK?

Usually only a few inches of grass adjacent to the replaced sidewalk is disturbed. This strip will be filled with topsoil, compacted, and seeded after the concrete forms are removed. A healthy lawn normally spreads quickly to the edge of the new sidewalk.

WHAT ABOUT MY SPRINKLER SYSTEM?

The contractor will repair any sprinkler system damage caused by the repair process. The City nor the contractor will reimburse you if you choose to have damaged sprinklers fixed on your own. To help avoid any problems with sprinkler system, please mark the location of the sprinkler system with paint or flags.

WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA USED FOR INSPECTIONS?

The list of sidewalk inspection criteria is available on the City Sidewalk Program page. 

More info at sterlingheights.gov/sidewalk.

The sidewalk program will continue annually over the lifetime of the PPP millage (15 years).   Any sidewalk that meets the criteria in the future will be considered for a future program.  

DOES THE CITY REGRADE THE ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY?

Regrading of the grass area between the sidewalk and street will not occur.   However, the sidewalk will be replaced to ensure proper drainage of the concrete. 

WHAT ABOUT SIDEWALK DAMAGE CAUSED BY TREES?

For environmental reasons, the City does not remove or allow the removal of  trees from the public right-of-way except for dead or diseased trees. For additional information on city street trees, please refer to the "City Street Tree and Stump Removal Policy."

Where tree roots have displaced the sidewalk, roots will be removed prior to new sidewalk installation.  A healthy tree will survive this process.

IS THE SIDEWALK WORK WARRANTIED?

Sidewalk that has been replaced as part of the City's Sidewalk Replacement Program are warranted for a two-year period.  Flags of sidewalk which have been replaced as part of the City's Sidewalk Replacement Program due to street tree root damage are warranted for a 10-year period. The determination for sidewalk replacement will be made based on the existing sidewalk replacement criteria.

CAN I USE A DEICER FOR WINTER MAINTENANCE?

Please be aware that deicers including road salt should not be used on new concrete for a recommended two-year period.  Early aged concrete can be susceptible to surface defects when exposed to chemical deicers.  

CAN I REPLACE MY OWN SIDEWALK?

Yes, you can still complete the sidewalk work.  This may be desirable for some homeowners who want to have matching concrete or are already contemplating concrete replacement on their property.  However, please note that the City  will NOT reimburse your costs. 

You must obtain a permit from the City's Office of Building Services and complete the work before the City contractor completes the sidewalk replacement for designated replacement areas. Any contractor obtaining a concrete permit must have a valid Michigan Builder's License.

If you have the walk repaired on your own, you must notify the Office of Engineering to be removed from the program.