Is it fair that the city is making us pay for "repairs" to the sidewalk infront of our house. In my opinion nothing is wrong at all with the sidewalk, just usual wear just like any other sidewalk. Is this right?
2007-08-06 09:13:23 · 15 answers · asked by abuk1 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
i would recommend fixing it if the city said it needs fixed comrade. other wise they will fix it for you and charge you 2x plus fee and maybe put a lien on your house.
On a side note, if you live in a snowy area and you do not clean your side walks after an ice storm within a reasonable time, you can be sued. I'm sure maintenance would be a libel issue as well.
BTW because it is part of your property and probably dictated as required, you are responcible for its upkeep, similiarly to curbs and steps to your house (think postman, firemen and medics)
2007-08-06 09:18:47 · answer #1 · answered by Jason W 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Not sure what city you are in, but most cities have an easement to place the sidewalk on your property, The terms of that easement usually do not require you to do anything in terms of maintance or repairs. Unless, in your city/village property owners have such a responsibility (which would be stated in the deed to your property) you are not responsible for repairs.
However, an exception I can think of is if the city has found that some act you committed has caused the damage and therefore you are at fault, then they may be able to fine you for the repair. But, I would read your city ordinances in regard to easements or property maintainence. I would be very surprised if such an ordinance exists.
2007-08-06 09:24:17 · answer #2 · answered by viscontc 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First, it simply doesn't matter that the "step is on your land", because the municipality has the power to enforce health and safety codes anywhere within its jurisdiction, including your front porch or your basement. These codes keep everyone safe from others doing stupid things on their "own property" that could harm others. Maybe you could put up a big fence and "no trespassing" signs, or maybe answer their letter with a request for an explanation of how a "cosmetic" problem has somehow triggered their interest. Second, if you were going to fix it anyway, just go ahead and fix it, unless you've suddenly become the most stupid person on the block with a huge chip on his shoulder. What do you care? What if a neighbor asked you to fix it? Would you say, "No, I won't fix it because it was already my idea and I don't want you to think you're somehow superior to me."? Geez. Grow up. Third, you can go ahead and ignore them, get an official citation for the violation, and start racking up the daily fine for failure to remedy it (in Boston it's $1,000 per day). Once they reach a certain point, and you still refuse to pay, they will place a lien on your house for the outstanding payments, plus interest, plus attorney fees, plus collection costs. Eventually they could seize your house to satisfy the payment you have refused to make for something you were going to fix anyway. Nice going. You really showed them. A guy in our town refused to obtain a building permit for a temporary tarp on his porch roof (which would have cost about a dollar) and now owes the town the court-ordered penalties, interest and fees of nearly $30,000. He literally took it to the Supreme Court (of NH) and lost.
2016-05-19 23:35:10 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think in most cities, the resident is responsible for maintaining the sidewalk in front of their home.
It is a surprise to many people who always assumed that the sidewalk was the same as the street; the government "owns" it, and they are responsbile for it's upkeep and maintenance.
2007-08-06 09:25:15 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you did anything to cause the sidewalk to need repairs then I would get it fixed. If you did nothing to contribute to the deterioration then tell the city you payed your taxes and you expect them to fix it.
2007-08-06 09:55:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry, pal, you are on the hook for repairs. In my town, tree roots are causeing sidewalks to buckle and crack. There is a dancer that somebody may trip over one of the cracks or uneven places.
Yes, you guessed it. The town is making people remove the old broken sidewalk and put in a new section.
2007-08-06 09:23:34 · answer #6 · answered by Mark 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The sidewalk is public property so the city should be responsible for it.
2007-08-06 09:43:52 · answer #7 · answered by NFrancis 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many cities have ordinances that make the owner of the private property maintain the public walks that abut the private property. I don't think it is fair. It is a gimmick for the municipality to dump it's work load.
2007-08-06 09:19:37 · answer #8 · answered by regerugged 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The sidewalk around your area was usually taken from you in an easement! The sidewalk belongs to them, unless you put it up, and it is their, not your responsibility to fix it!
2007-08-06 09:20:39 · answer #9 · answered by cantcu 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds fishy to me. Make sure whatever bill or order to pay you're getting is from the city, first of all, because a lot of scams start that way.
Then you might look at the municipal code in your city (most are online and relatively easy to search), just to make sure.
2007-08-06 09:19:08 · answer #10 · answered by Hillary 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋