The Public Works Department has divided Minneapolis into three sidewalk-inspection districts, with one inspector assigned to each district. Each inspector visually inspects sidewalk sections for major cracks, hazardous conditions and general deterioration from May 1 to Nov. 1. If a repair is deemed necessary, the property owner has 15 days in which to respond. If there is no response, a City-approved contractor makes the repair and the property owner is billed for the work. The property owner can either pay the bill or have the cost assessed over five years.
Inspectors strive to carry out routine inspections of all sidewalks every seven to eight years.
Other inspections are made in response to complaints from residents or other City personnel. The Sidewalk Department is also responsible for enforcement of the snow shoveling ordinance. Commercial properties are required to remove snow within four daylight hours. Residential properties must clear their sidewalks within 24 hours. Various criteria are used to determine which type or combination of repairs are best suited for a given situation.