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1. How do I find my lot lines?

It is the responsibility of each property owner to determine the location of his or her lot lines. An abstract will give you the dimensions of your property, however, locating the property pins located at the corners of your lot will help you determine your property boundaries. If you cannot find your property pins, you need to consider hiring a licensed land surveyor to survey your property. The City does not have a survey crew to survey private property.

2. Can the city survey my property?

No. The city has a survey crew to survey streets and public property, but does not have a crew that can survey private property. You need to contact a licensed land surveyor to obtain a survey for private property.

3. How much does the City of Cedar Falls charge to replace my sidewalk?

The City of Cedar Falls receives public bids and accepts the lowest bid. Generally, the cost of having the sidewalk repaired, replaced or reconstructed by you or by a contractor of your own selection is less than having the City-hired contractor to do the work. It is estimated that the cost of having the City perform the work would be $250 per 4-feet by 4-feet panel or $350 per 5-feet by 5-feet panel. This is not a ‘fixed’ price and will fluctuate with public bids, the price of materials, and labor depending on the time of year.

4. Is there a penalty if I do not replace my sidewalk by the sidewalk project deadline?

No. The City of Cedar Falls does not charge a late fee or penalty for not getting the work done by the deadline. However, if the work is not done by the deadline by default the City will hire a contractor to do the work and bill the owner for the cost.

5. Can the City remark my sidewalk?

Yes, please call 319-268-5161 to notify the City that your sidewalk needs remarked.

6. What are the sidewalk standards that the City of Cedar Falls has?

The City of Cedar Falls has a specific set of Standards for Defective Sidewalks. 

If you would like to discuss the sidewalk standards, please call 319-268-5161 and ask for the engineer in charge of the sidewalk assessment project.

7. What if the sidewalk deficiency was caused by a tree root which was planted by the City in the ROW?

If the panels were marked as a result of a tree root, it is the responsibility of the property owner to correct the underlying issue.

8. What are the deadlines for the Zone 5 2022 Sidewalks?

You must apply for the permit and begin the work by June 10th, 2022, and complete the work by June 24th, 2022 to be removed from the sidewalk assessment project.

Private contractors will need to have the repairs complete by the June 24th deadline as no extension will be allowed.

You will need to correct the deficiencies with a complete panel replacement sidewalk before June 24th, 2022. If you choose not to replace the deficient sidewalk before June 24th, 2022, the City will then begin the process to replace the sidewalk and assess the property for the cost.

Neighboring properties may be a part of next year’s sidewalk assessments thus will be marked in the summer of 2022.

9. Can the City give out a list of contractors to replace my sidewalk?

No. The City cannot recommend or provide a list of private contractors. However, if you have one in mind we can tell you if they are insured and bonded with us to be able to pull permits.

10. What is the cost of a sidewalk permit? What inspections will I need to have?

Before beginning the corrections, a sidewalk permit will need to be purchased at City Hall, and at least 48 hours before pouring any new concrete, an inspection should be scheduled by calling 319-268-5161. The cost of a sidewalk permit is $30 (flat rate for sidewalk replacement).

11. Who is liable for correcting sidewalk deficiencies?

It is in your best interest, as a property owner, to correct any deficiency as promptly as possible. If a person were to be injured on a sidewalk adjoining your property and you have been notified by the City of a deficiency, you may be liable for injuries resulting from a failure to correct that deficiency in a timely manner.

If the homeowner chooses to hire a contractor to do the work they can register with the City and pull the permit or the homeowner can pull the permit and accept any liability involved.

12. How am I billed if the City replaces my sidewalk?

The City of Cedar Falls City Clerk will send out a bill after the work has been completed and accepted by City Council. If the bill is not paid within 30 days of receipt then it will go to the County Assessor to be added to the owner's property tax bill. (If the bill is over $500 you will have the option to pay it in installments with interest on your tax bill-it would be billed in installments over 5 years.) Check with Black Hawk County to find out the specific interest rate.