The city of Eugene is exploring changes to its sidewalk repair rules as aging sidewalks, rising demand and limited city resources strain the current system.
Keeping sidewalks in “good repair and safe condition” is a responsibility that falls on abutting property owners in Eugene under city code. But the rule, common in American cities, is little-known, and the repairs are often unaffordable for residents, city staff told the Eugene City Council Wednesday, Sept. 23.
“It’s not the city, but property owners who are expected to repair sidewalks under city code, even when there’s a city street tree involved,” said Jody Trendler, senior transportation planner with Public Works Engineering. “Sidewalk repairs can run upwards of thousands of dollars, making them unaffordable for many property owners.”…