(a) Sidewalks Installed.
(1) It shall be the duty of owners of lots abutting on sidewalks to keep such sidewalks in good repair, in front of or adjacent to their premises and to prevent any unevenness, open cracks, or other defects in the surface grade of such sidewalks.
(2) Where there is no existing curb and no sidewalk: Installation of sidewalk shall not be required until the street is improved, including curbs.
(3) Where there is no existing curb and sidewalk already exists: The existing sidewalk shall be maintained to the approved standards with the exception of sidewalk width, extension of existing sidewalk will not be required, and existing sidewalk may be repaired or sections replaced to the existing sidewalk width and the width standard shall be waived until such time as curb is installed.
(4) Where there is existing curb and sidewalk. Sidewalk shall be maintained to the established standard.
(5) Where there is existing curb and no sidewalk: Adjacent to developed lots, sidewalks shall be installed to the standard, where the adjacent lot is not developed, sidewalk shall not be required until the lot is developed, and the definition of a developed lot shall include all lots where a home or accessory structure had been built. A "developed lot" shall also include lots adjacent to and owned by the same person(s) as a lot primary structure.
(6) Sidewalks shall be required in all residential districts with the provisions for areas without curb.
(7) Replacement or repair of the sidewalk shall be the responsibility of the adjacent property owner.
(b) Trees. Where a tree in the tree lawn is deemed to have caused sidewalk to become uneven, the city shall remove the tree and grind out stump at city expense.
(c) Repair vs. Replacement. Sidewalk is typically replaced rather than repaired. Property owners may attempt to repair sidewalk themselves or by using a contractor licensed by the City. Such repairs must be completed before the deadline. Repair and/or replacement shall be completed per the specifications on file at Louisville City Hall. Regardless of who repairs/replaces the sidewalk a permit must be obtained. City will inspect the repair and determine whether repair brings the section of sidewalk into compliance. If not in compliance, the City inspector shall notify owner and replacement shall be made by the City's contractor. The City may require the individual sidewalk to be re-inspected after one year if there is any doubt about the repair. If the sidewalk does not meet the minimum standard upon re-inspection, City may require replacement.
(d) Additional Items.
(1) At all intersections of streets and pedestrian crosswalks, the sidewalks shall be extended to the curb and shall be made accessible for people with disabilities.
(2) At each intersection, the portion of sidewalk within the radius of the intersection shall be the responsibility of the City to repair or replace.
(3) The marking and issuing of repair or replacement orders and sidewalks can be controversial and will, at times, result in disagreements. In the event that the property owner disagrees with the inspector's judgment, a written appeal may be submitted within ten days of notice to repair or replace and the City Service Director will reexamine the sidewalk and make the final determination.
(Ord. 23-11. Passed 3-6-23.)