Sidewalk Repair

Council adopts its first major change in sidewalk repair responsibility since 1989 and funds a new City-administered Sidewalk Repair Program.

On October 1, 2007, Salem City Council adopted Ordinance Bill No. 99-07 amending Salem Revised Code Chapter 78 "Sidewalks," which assigns responsibility for sidewalk repair.

The provisions of the new ordinance include:

Effective November 1, 2007, owners of property within the city limits and adjacent to sidewalks built since September 1, 1992, will be responsible for repairing or replacing damaged sidewalks, unless the damage has been caused by a City street tree. The City will notify each property owner by mail of the change in responsibility.
Owners of property within the city limits and adjacent to sidewalks built prior to September 1, 1992, will be assigned responsibility for repairing or replacing damaged sidewalks after the City of Salem first repairs the existing sidewalks and brings them up to an acceptable standard. The City will remain responsible for future damage caused by City street trees. Individual property owners will be notified by mail of the change in responsibility once their sidewalks have been repaired.
Effective November 1, 2007, City, County, State, and Federal government agencies will be responsible for the repair and replacement of public sidewalks adjacent to their properties, unless the damage has been caused by City street trees.
The City will begin a comprehensive sidewalk inspection and repair program funded by the $1 million set aside from the Qwest Franchise Reserve Funds. The Council has directed staff to prioritize the repair of sidewalks in the oldest neighborhoods of Salem first, with additional priority being given to sidewalks that serve as major routes to schools, parks, shopping, and transit service.
The Public Works Department will report to the Council annually on the status and condition of the sidewalk system, accomplishments of the repair program, and the additional financial resources needed to continue improving the sidewalk system.

FAQs