What is the Sidewalk Repair Program?
The City of Lincoln contracts with private construction firms to perform designated repairs. Residential, Commercial and Business areas are surveyed by City employees for the purpose of identifying needed repairs. Initially substantial defects of two inches or more are targeted for repair in residential areas. This effort is to repair the major defects throughout the City as our first priority. Eventually all sidewalk defects of 3/4 inch or greater will be repaired in residential and commercial areas. Property owners may repair sidewalk adjacent to their property, or they may wait for the City's Repair Program. A no fee repair permit must be obtained from the Public Works and Utilities office previous to any work. An inspection is also required by the Sidewalk Section previous to pouring any concrete.
Who is responsible for repairing sidewalks?
As a result of the November 1990 and May 1992 elections, sidewalk repair along the public street system is the responsibility of the City of Lincoln. The Public Works and Utilities Department surveys designated areas and hires private contractors to perform needed repairs. The Sidewalk Repair Program is funded through the City's General Fund Budget.
Who is responsible for the construction of new sidewalks?
Property owners or builders are responsible for constructing sidewalk adjacent to properties where sidewalk currently does not exist. In new subdivisions, sidewalks are normally required on both sides of all streets, as well as adjacent arterial streets. In older areas of Lincoln, sidewalks may be ordered constructed by the City Council when a need for a sidewalk is identified. If you wish to identify such a location, contact the Sidewalk Section.
How do I get a permit?
Permits are required for any work performed on sidewalks or drive approaches. Repair of existing concrete sidewalk or drive approaches requires a repair permit. New construction requires a new sidewalk permit. The current fees for permits are:
- No fee for repair permits
- $50.00 for residential permits
- $125.00 for commercial permits
- Permits must be obtained prior to performing any work in the public right-of-way. Permits may be obtained through Engineering Services Offices at 531 Westgate Blvd.
All individuals performing construction and repair of drive approaches or sidewalks, must contact the Sidewalk Section at 441-7541 to schedule an inspection 4 hours previous to scheduling concrete. Sidewalk inspections are performed 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday except on holidays.
Are There Guidelines to Follow?
The following are guidelines for constructing sidewalks in the City of Lincoln:
| Width: | Four feet OR same as existing walk |
|---|---|
| Thickness: | Four inches EXCEPT across driveways (Driveways are five inches residential and six inches commercial) |
| Subgrade: | Flat, dry, compacted dirt and sand |
| Forms: | Wood, or steel, straight and true to line and grade, sloping 1/4 inch per foot toward the street |
| Concrete: | Minimum strength of 3,000 pounds per square inch for residential, 3,500 pounds per square inch, commercial or multifamily |
| Placement: | Use a shovel to consolidate concrete |
| Finish: | Strike off even; hand float smooth; place joints at distance equal to width; tool joints and outer edges; once surface hardens broom finish perpendicular to traffic flow. |
All construction of sidewalks and drive approaches must comply with the City of Lincoln's Standard Specifications for Municipal Construction (21 K) 
and Standard Plans for Curb Ramps (169 K) .
All individuals performing construction and repair of drive approaches or sidewalks, must contact the Sidewalk Section at 441-7541 to schedule an inspection 4 hours previous to scheduling concrete. Sidewalk inspections are performed 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday except on holidays.
Who is responsible for snow and ice removal?
The Lincoln Municipal Code, Section 14.80, requires adjacent property owners to clear sidewalks of snow and ice accumulations by 9:00 a.m., the morning following the end of each storm. The Sidewalk Section will notify property owners who have not cleaned the sidewalks or ramps according to code requirements. Due to staff limitations, this is primarily performed upon a complaint basis. Report property locations to Sidewalk Section at 441-7541.
