Sidewalks

Responsibility to Maintain

Public sidewalks are a vital part of the transportation network within the City of Ames. Maintenance of these sidewalks is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner per City of Ames Municipal Code Chapter 22.1 and the Code of Iowa 1997 Section 364.12(d) & (e).

Property Owners or tenants are required to maintain sidewalks adjacent to their property after snow and ice events. Find more information regarding Snow Removal from Sidewalks.

Inspections

City staff will inspect properties in a proactive manner and based off complaints received. The property owner will be informed of the sidewalk panels that are deficient and given the time frame in which repairs must be made. If repairs are not completed by the property owner, the City may take action to ensure that the sidewalk repair is completed. The cost of the repair work will be billed to the adjacent property owner.

Repair Options

Repair options for each type of defect are noted on the inspection pages. If there are unique situations for repair, property owners are encouraged to contact the Public Works department to review possible repair techniques. Some common situations include:

Water service valves/curb boxes – these are responsibility of the property to which they provide water. Typically, they can be adjusted up/down but may require a plumber if not easy to move.
Trees in the right of way – sidewalk panels that are damaged due to roots or heaving from a tree in the right of way are the responsibility of the adjacent property owner. After repairs have been made if the sidewalk is in need of repair again due to the same tree in the right of way, the City will cover the cost of the repair as long as the tree remains.
Sidewalk Widths – individual panels, or short runs of adjacent panels can be replaced at the existing width of the sidewalk panels, which is typically 4 feet wide. If replacing sidewalk along an entire frontage of the property, the sidewalk should be replaced at the new standard of 5 feet wide.