NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER OF NECESSITY OF REPAIRING SIDEWALKS

May 8, 2009

John Doe

123 East Main Street

Westerville, OH  4308_

Auditor’s Parcel Number:  080-00000000

Property Address:  123 East Main Street

The Council of the City of Westerville adopted Resolution No. 09-XX on May 5, 2009, declaring it necessary to repair sidewalks in areas designated by the City of Westerville. In Westerville, like most communities across the country, the property owner is responsible for the maintenance of the sidewalk abutting their properties. In Ohio, state law provides for this practice on the premise that property owners get the most benefit from the walk because it is available for their use and it enhances a property's value.

In accordance with the Resolution, you are required to make repairs to the sidewalks abutting your property which is identified above by the street address and the County Auditor's Parcel Number.  Repairs are to be made in accordance to the Sidewalk Plan and Specification exhibit included with this letter.  The sidewalk panels to be repaired have been marked with an 'X' with white paint.  You may repair the referenced sidewalk yourself or have it done by a contractor in accordance with City Specifications until September 30, 2009.  If you replace the section(s) marked with an 'X', you must first obtain a permit from the City's Buidling Department.

There also may be sections marked with an ‘O’ for which the City takes responsibility for repair. If the damaged walk is the result of a city tree or is part of an accessible ramp, then the inspectors will mark the sidewalk panels with an “O” using white paint.  These sections marked ‘O’ will be repaired or replaced by the City’s contractor at no cost to you.

Enclosed are the Inspection Criteria used by the Department of Public Service to mark the deficient sidewalk squares. It is recommended that you or your contractor meet with or discuss the sidewalk deficiency with the City’s inspector prior to doing any work on your own. The concrete forms and/or sidewalk subbase must be inspected prior to pouring concrete or placing the slabs to assure compliance with grades, thickness, width, slope, etc.

A permit is required for the repair of a sidewalk. An application is enclosed for your convenience, which can be completed and brought or sent along with the permit fee (if applicable) to the Building Department.

If the sidewalk section(s) marked with an 'X' are not repaired by September 30, 2009 the City contractor will complete the work during the months of January through April 2010.  An invoice will be mailed to you in May 2010 which will be based on the City's actual cost of completing and inspecting the repairs, which includes the restoration of the lawn area.  You may make a full, partial, or no payment of the invoiced amount to the City by June 30.  Your remaining unpaid balance will be forwarded to the County Auditor's office.  The balance, plus interest, will be assessed to your property taxes over the following five years.

The foregoing work is to be performed in accordance with the plans and specifications which have been prepared by the City Engineer.  A copy has been included with this letter and is also on file in the Planning and Development Department.

If you would like further information regarding the Sidewalk Program please check out the Sidewalk Program on the City’s web page:  www.westerville.org or contact the Sidewalk Hotline at (614) 901-6757 or by e-mail to sidewalks@westerville.org.

Sincerely,

David A. Collinsworth

City Manager