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1. 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 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. This is not a "fixed" price and will fluctuate with the price of materials and labor depending on the time of year.

If you choose to have the city repair your sidewalk, an invoice will be mailed to you after the project has been closed out. The homeowner will have 30 days to make a payment to the city. If you fail to pay for the work within thirty (30) days, the cost of the work will then be assessed as a special assessment against your property.

2. Is there a penalty if I do not get it done by the 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.

3. Can the City remark my sidewalk?

Yes. Please contact the Engineering Department at (319) 268-5161.

4. Where are the sidewalk standards does the City of Cedar Falls have?

• The City of Cedar Falls has a specific set of standards for defective sidewalks. Please see the attached Sidewalk Standards or visit our website. https://www.cedarfalls.com/1798/Sidewalk-Assessment.  

• If you would like to discuss repair codes, please contact the Engineering Department at 319-268-5161

5. What if this was caused by a tree root which was planted by the City in the ROW?

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

6. What are the deadlines for the sidewalks?

You must apply for the permit and complete the work by June 15th, to be removed from the sidewalk assessment project.

Private contractors will need to have repairs complete by the June 15th deadline as no extensions will be allowed.

You will need to correct the deficiencies with a complete panel replacement sidewalk before June 15th. If you choose not to replace the deficient sidewalk before June 15th, the City will then begin the proceed 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 spring of next year.

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

The City cannot recommend a specific private contractor. However, we have provided the full list of contractors registered to work within the City of Cedar Falls.

8. What is the cost of a 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).

9. 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 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 a permit.

A homeowner deciding to do the work themselves may pull a permit but must sign a Hold Harmless agreement as well.