Sidewalks

Sidewalk Removal and Replacement (as a means of repair)

A permit is required to be obtained prior to making any removal and replacement of public City Sidewalk or Driveway approach in accordance with City Codes. All removal and replacement shall be in accordance with City of Royal Oak standards. Note: colored concrete and textured or stamped concrete are not allowed for public sidewalk construction.

Sidewalk Contractors
Contractors doing work in the City of Royal Oak must first be licensed to perform the work of installing sidewalks and approaches. A condition of licensure is providing a 2-year $1,000 bond on the appropriate City of Royal Oak form. A completed Sidewalk Builders License Application and Sidewalk Bond Form shall be submitted by the entity desiring to be a Licensed Sidewalk Contractor prior to submitting for a permit.

The Sidewalk Builder’s License fee is listed on the fee schedule which is updated annually.

Homeowner’s  Performing Sidewalk Construction

Homeowners may obtain a permit to construct public sidewalk providing proper identification indicating property ownership (drivers license) along with a signed affidavit stating the property owner will not hire contractors to perform the work. Homeowners shall complete the Homeowners Affidavit prior to submitting for a permit.

The Sidewalk License and Permit fees are listed on the fee schedule which is updated annually.

Sidewalk Improvement Program

On May 16, 2011, the City of Royal Oak directed the City Engineering Department to embark on a new Sidewalk Improvement Program. The program will address and replace deficient public Sidewalk over a six year period beginning in 2012 per City Commission letter 141-11. A map showing the areas of the City and the year that construction will be done has been developed.

At the current time, the Engineering Department is only inspecting existing sidewalks and determining which sidewalks exhibit deficiencies requiring correction per the approved Sidewalk Replacement Criteria. In the spring of 2012, homeowners will be notified of the specifics of the program, and in particular the deficiencies identified on the sidewalk adjacent to their property that they are responsible to maintain as outlined in City Code, Chapter 650. The Engineering Department will begin addressing property owner concerns, only after notifications have been sent out. As has been done in past years, prior to construction, a Public Meeting will be held for any affected property owner to meet with City staff and request additional information or set up an appointment for a site inspection and review.

History: In 1994 the City Commission directed City Engineering Department to embark on a Sidewalk Improvement Program. The program was to correct numerous deficiencies on public sidewalks and eliminate potential liabilities, install new sidewalks where none existed and provide handicap accessible ramps where pedestrians cross roadways. The Sidewalk Replacement Criteria was developed by the Engineering Department with help from the City Attorney and approved by the Commission. The program targeted an area of the City each calendar year for 11 years between 1995 and 2006.

Attachment	Size
Sidewalk Improvement Program - FAQ.pdf	16.46 KB
RO Sidewalk License & Instructions.pdf	23.35 KB
RO Sidewalk Bond.pdf	7.64 KB
RO Sidewalk Homeowner Affidavit.pdf	21.72 KB
RO Sidewalk Replacement Criteria.pdf	3.91 KB
Sidewalk Program Map.pdf	129.4 KB
CL 141-11.pdf	35.3 KB