(a) A program of partial reimbursement to persons and/or entities repairing or replacing sidewalks located in an area abutting, on or in the City of Ashtabula, Ohio’s real property, real property easement, or real property right-of-way is hereby established and shall be administered on a first come, first serve basis until all funds established or set aside by City Council, for said purposes, have been depleted. Persons who are approved for the program have 60 days to complete the project; otherwise the funds will go to the next applicant.
(b) Interested parties must contact the Planning and Community Development Department to apply for the program and determine if funds are available before any demolition or construction begins. In addition all applicants must perform the following:
(1) Arrange for a pre-inspection and post-inspection by the Planning and Community Development Department of the area in which sidewalks are to be repaired or replaced must take place prior to any individual or entity beginning demolition or construction. Said inspections are for the purpose of insuring the repair or replacement of said sidewalks are accomplished in accordance with all relevant Ashtabula ordinances, regulations and rules. Any and all sidewalks repair or replacements effectuated at said sidewalk’s intersection with any City alley/street shall comply with all Ohio Department of Transportation requirements for handicap ramps at intersections with alleys/streets.
(2) Once construction is completed, a paid invoice must be presented to the Planning and Community Development Department. Upon post-inspection and approval of work performed, the project will be submitted to the Finance Department for reimbursement.
(c) Upon the Planning and Community Development Department certifying that the repair or replacement of the relevant sidewalks has been accomplished in accordance with all relevant Ashtabula ordinances, regulations and rules, the person or entity repairing or replacing said sidewalks shall be reimbursed in an amount not to exceed $2.75 per square foot for residential properties and $1.50 per square foot for commercial properties, by the City. The total reimbursement for commercial properties shall not exceed $1,000.00. In no event shall the reimbursement exceed the total amount of money expended for material for said purpose by the individual or entity repairing or replacing said sidewalks. The amount to be reimbursed shall be determined by the City Manager or his authorized agent upon receipt and review of invoices evidencing the expenditure of money by the individual or legal entity for said purpose.
(d) Applications must be submitted prior to September 1 to request participation in the sidewalk repair and replacement program for that year.
(Ord. 2016-46. Passed 3-7-16.)