Sidewalks
Sidewalks are an important, but yet often neglected part of the City's transportation system. We work to ensure that sidewalks are safe for pedestrians and meet handicap requirements. Typical deficiencies found in sidewalks are gaps equal to one inch or more, parts missing to the full depth of the sidewalk and extensive spalling or cracking. The Engineering Department inspects sidewalks on a complaint basis. When deficiencies are identified in the sidewalk, the property owner is sent a notice detailing their options for repairing or replacing of their sidewalk. Residents who receive notification are reminded that they have 10 days to contact the City Engineering office about their plans for repair.
Under City Code, the abutting property owner is responsible for the repair or replacement of sidewalks identified as defective. The property owner may complete the specified repairs themselves or hire a contractor to perform the work. According to the Code, if the owner fails to act to correct the deficiencies within 60 days, the City will have the work done and the cost will be assessed against the property.
The City of Ottumwa Municipal Code (Chapter 32, Article III) defines a defective sidewalk as:
Any public sidewalk exhibiting one or more of the following characteristics:
a. Vertical separations equal to one inch or more.
b. Horizontal separations equal to one inch or more.
c. Holes or depressions equal to one inch or more and at least four inches in diameter.
d. Spalling over 50 percent of the surface of a single square of the sidewalk with one or more depressions equal to one-half inch or more.
e. Spalling over less than 50 percent of the surface of a single square of the sidewalk with one or more depressions equal to one inch or more.
f. A single square of sidewalk cracked in such a manner that no part thereof has a piece greater than one square foot.
g. A sidewalk with any part thereof missing to the full depth.
h. A change from design or construction grade equal to or greater than one inch per foot.
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