Utility Outages (319) 627-2418 Select Language English Spanish Lao Chinese (Simplified) Navigation City of West Liberty Sidewalk Repair Program Safe, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods are a priority for our community. An important component of this is the City’s sidewalk repair program, developed to provide for the maintenance of sidewalks within West Liberty. Iowa State Code 364.12(d) and City Code 7-4 provides the City of West Liberty the ability to require that the maintenance and repair of public sidewalks be the responsibility of the adjoining property owner. Inspection frequency For the purposes of this program, West Liberty is divided into 4 geographical areas. Each year, the sidewalks in one of those 4 areas are thoroughly inspected in accordance with the criteria established by the Public Works Director and Street Superintendent to determine if sidewalk repairs are necessary. See the sidewalk inspection program map. Only sidewalks are inspected. The parkway, driveway approaches, water stop boxes located outside of the sidewalk, etc. are not inspected as part of the program. In addition, sidewalks are inspected outside of the geographical area if a complaint is received on the condition of a sidewalk. Inspection criteria The inspector marks pink arrows on sidewalk squares which meet one or more of the following criteria. Vertical separations equal to three-fourths inch (3/4″) or more. Horizontal separations equal to three-fourths inch (3/4″) or more. Holes or depressions equal to three-fourths inch (3/4″) or more and at least four inches (4″) in diameter Spalling over fifty percent (50%) of the surface of a single square of the sidewalk with one or more depressions equal to one-half inch (1/2″) or more Spalling over less than fifty percent (50%) of a single square of the sidewalk with one or more depressions equal to three-fourths inch (3/4″) or more A single square of sidewalk cracked in such a manner that no part thereof has a piece greater than one square foot. A sidewalk with any part thereof missing to the full depth. A change from design or construction grade equal to or greater than three-fourths inch (3/4″) per foot. The inspector reports deficiencies to the homeowner on the sidewalk inspection report. Repair process Property owners adjacent to sidewalks that are marked for repair are notified of their responsibility to repair the sidewalk through a notification letter that is sent to the owner of record as listed on the Muscatine Area Geographic Information Consortium (MAGIC). Along with the notification letter, a copy of the sidewalk inspection report and a copy of the City of West Liberty Design Standards for sidewalks is mailed to the property owner. A 60 day deadline for the completion of the repair work is given to the property owner. The date given is dependent upon the date the sidewalk was marked for repair and allows for a minimum of one month for the completion of the repairs. All property owners are required by law to notify the Iowa One Call System (811) at least 48 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays) prior to engaging in any type of digging or excavating. Homeowners and private residents are not exempt from making this important notice. An earlier deadline may be given dependent upon the severity of the condition of the sidewalk. All property owners are required to get a construction permit before beginning any work on their property; no other paperwork or fee is required. A re-inspection of the sidewalks marked for repair is made after the deadline date. Satisfactory repairs are noted and no further action is necessary. However, if the repair work is unsatisfactory, the adjoining property owner is notified of such. If no attempt was made to repair the sidewalk, or if the unsatisfactory repairs were not corrected, a letter is sent to the owner notifying them that the City will be taking charge of the repair work. The City then arranges for the completion of the repair work to the sidewalks. The adjoining property owner is invoiced for all construction costs plus a $25 administrative fee per property. If the invoice remains unpaid, the costs are then assessed against the property. City responsibilities Over width sidewalks – If the sidewalk is 8 feet in width, the City will share in the costs to repair the sidewalk. The City will be responsible for one-half the costs to repair the sidewalk. If the property owner is repairing the sidewalk, they must receive approval from the City prior to commencement of repairs. If the City repairs the 8-foot sidewalk, the property owner will be invoiced one-half of the construction costs plus a $25 administrative fee. However, if the damage to the sidewalk can be directly attributable to the adjoining property owner’s actions (i.e. a home construction or landscaping project), the property owner will be responsible for the full 8’ width. City causes – If the damage to the sidewalk is caused by a City owned item, i.e. a water main valve (not a service valve), a sewer manhole located within the sidewalk, or a tree located with the parkway, the City will take responsibility for the repair of the sidewalk directly as long as the damage is directly attributable to the item. Just because a City-owned item is present does not automatically mean that the item is the cause of the damage. Each situation will be evaluated individually by City staff. Curb ramps – The City is responsible for the maintenance and repair of curb ramps across public streets. Useful Links Calendar Pay Online Employment Public Notice Services City Hall Contact City Hall 409 N Calhoun St West Liberty, IA 52776 Call (319) 627-2418 After Hours Utility Emergencies 319-627-2247 Hours Mon-Fri: 8am-4pm Closed weekends and major holidays. © 2021 City of West Liberty · Admin Web design by bigimprint.com