Sidewalk Replacement Program
APRIL 21ST WEBINAR PRESENTATION
SIDEWALK PERMIT
This is a Van Buren Township Pilot Sidewalk replacement program for Van Buren Estates (Haggerty Subdivision).
Purpose:
The purpose of the Sidewalk Replacement Repair Program is to remove defects from the Township's sidewalk network such as trip hazards, deteriorated concrete, and trapped water/ice conditions.
Criteria for Repairs:
- Sidewalk cross slope exceeds 2%
- Sidewalks that exhibit differential sidewalk elevations of 3/4-inch or greater:
- Differential
- Tree root heaving
- Settlement (signs of ponding)
- Back Pitch or Back slope (areas of ponding water 1/4-inch deep or more)
- Cracked or broken sidewalk with any of the following:
- Sidewalks broken into three or more pieces in a single section.
- Sidewalks where a crack is not tight and well seated
- Severe crazing (alligator cracking)
- Deteriorating joints (gap at least 4 inches long by 3/4-inch wide at any point)
- Spalled areas (at least 3 inches along any one side)
- Chunks of loose concrete or slabs that move or wobble
- Other surface deterioration issues:
- Surface deterioration consisting of severe scaling, or popping causing a safety issue
- Spalling (if any flag of sidewalk more than 50% of the surface has scaled off to a depth of 1/2-inch or greater
- Utility structures:
- Manholes
- Water Service stops
- Utility plugs, valves, or other objects that protrude 1/2 inch or more above the walkway surface
- More than one issue listed above
Whenever the Township determines that a sidewalk is unsafe for use, notice may be given to the owner of the lot or premises adjacent to and abutting upon such sidewalk of the owner of the lot or premises adjacent to and abutting upon such sidewalk of the Township's determination. Such notice will be given in accordance with Sidewalk Ordinance. Thereafter, it shall be the duty of the owner to replace/repair the sidewalk in a safe condition. Such notice shall specify a reasonable time, within which such work shall be completed with due diligence.
If you wish to replace the marked sidewalk slabs yourself (or hire a contractor), a permit is required, and you must call for an inspection (Permit to Pour).
Repairs by Township:
If the owner of such lot or premises is unable or elects not to make the necessary replacement/repair of the sidewalk within the time limited therefore, or in a manner otherwise than in accordance with the Sidewalk Ordinance, the Township shall have the sidewalk repaired.
In any event, the cost of repairs under Sidewalk Ordinance shall be charged against the property which adjoins the sidewalk and shall be paid by the property owner. If not paid, the cost of repairs shall be collected as provided in Sidewalk Ordinance.
Repairs Not Included:
- Driveways
- Sidewalk across driveways
- Driveway approaches
Project Schedule:
Property Owners will be able to make replacement/repairs up to 90-days after receiving the Township's estimated construction costs estimate. The Township will make repairs to all remaining sidewalks identified to be replaced/repaired after the 90-day period.
Contact Us:
Van Buren Township
46425 Tyler Road
Van Buren Township, MI 48111
Director of Public Services: Larry Luckett
D734.699.8900, ext. 9216
To view our publication for the Sidewalk Replacement Repair Program, click here.
The Public Meeting was held Tuesday, April 27, 2021
You can view the meeting below:
Questions, comments, and concerns can be emailed to communications@vanburen-mi.org
Sidewalk Replacement Program
No. Property owners will only pay for the sidewalk replacement costs incurred for replacement adjacent to their own property.
No. There is no current grant funding or current ability for the County or the Township to pay for sidewalk replacement. Township Staff are investigating other sources of possible funding.
If tree roots need to be cut in order to properly install new sidewalk, it is possible that the tree may die, although this is a rare occurrence. Township staff will provide guidance on how to properly care for trees in this situation to give them the best chance for survival.
Slope, grade change, cracking/spalling, and crumbling are all considered. There is a set of engineering practices that will be followed to determine if a sidewalk needs to be replaced.
The average cost of sidewalk replacement is approximately $10 per square foot. The standard slab or flag is 5 ft by 5 ft. This places the cost of replacing a slab/flag at approximately $250 per slab.
Under this program, all sidewalks marked for replacement will be replaced and billed to the adjacent property owner. If there is a question from a property owner on the decision to replace sidewalk, our Director of Public Services will meet and review the decision with the property owner.
The trees in the right of way are under the jurisdiction of Wayne County. Trees on private property are the responsibility of the property owner.
If the Township Board of Trustees approves moving forward with this project, it is anticipated it will take place in 2022 over 6 months.
New sidewalk installed and maintained properly has an expected lifespan of 20 years.
The benefit of a sidewalk replacement program is bidding out the replacements to contractors at a large scale which garners a better bid price for residents than individual replacement projects. Residents will still have the option of replacing their own sidewalks with their own contractor if they so choose.
