50/50 Sidewalk Repair Assistance Program

SIDEWALKS IN NEED OF MAINTENANCE

In Petaluma, property owners are responsible for maintaining the sidewalks, curbs, and gutters that border their property. When the City becomes aware of damage or needed repairs, we notify the adjacent property owner.

While upkeep is the property owner's responsibility, the City offers programs that may assist with the cost of repair or replacement. Please see below for details on maintenance requirements and available support.

Have additional questions? Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section at the bottom of this page.

Please note, an encroachment permit is required for sidewalk repairs. By repairing your sidewalk, you are reducing your potential for liability.

To report a hazardous sidewalk, or if you have any questions about sidewalk repairs, please contact the Public Works Department at 707-778-4303, [email protected], or report an issue here.

50-50 Sidewalk Repair Assistance Program

Program Overview

The 50/50 Sidewalk, Curb, and Gutter Improvement Program helps property owners repair or replace deteriorating sidewalks, curbs, and gutters adjacent to or fronting on their property by covering 50% of the cost, up to a maximum reimbursement of $2,000 per property.

The City of Petaluma is committed to supporting property owners in maintaining safe and accessible sidewalks. The following financial assistance is available to help offset costs related to sidewalk repairs:

  • Sidewalk, Curb, and Gutter Repair Reimbursement:
    Property owners may receive reimbursement for up to 50% of the total cost of eligible sidewalk, curb, and gutter repairs, with a maximum reimbursement of $2,000 per property.
  • Licensed Arborist Services Reimbursement:
    To address tree-related sidewalk issues, property owners may additionally qualify for up to $800 in reimbursement for hiring a certified arborist. Covered services include:

    • Tree Root Evaluations
    • Assessments of Tree Impacts on Sidewalk Condition
    • Recommendations for Root Pruning or Tree Preservation
    • Recommendations for Replacement Tree Species to be Planted in the Event of Tree Removal
    • Preparation of documentation required for repair permits
      Note: Arborist services must be directly related to sidewalk repair or replacement projects involving tree root conflicts.
  • Encroachment Permit Fee Waiver:
    The City will additionally waive encroachment permit fees up to $700 for qualifying sidewalk repair projects.

The 50/50 cost-sharing program provides property owners an incentive to complete repairs proactively before they become a safety hazard or require city enforcement.

What it Covers

  • Replacement of public sidewalks, curbs, and gutters next to City streets that have been damaged by trees
  • Replacement of public sidewalks damaged by trees located on private property
  • Removal of hardscape from parking strips (public rights-of way)
  • Sidewalk replacement and hardscape removal required by a development permit

What it Doesn’t Cover

  • Driveway repairs
  • Repairs on private streets, private sidewalks, private gutters, or private curbs
  • Landscaping or mulch installation costs

Requirements

  • All hardscape removal work must also include the installation of landscaping or mulch in the entirety of the area where hardscape was removed
  • Landscaping or mulch installation must conform to all City standards as outlined in 17.050 Landscape Water Use Efficiency Standards
  • All hardscape removal work must also include tree planting in accordance with, found here: Landscape & Irrigation Standards

Tree Planting & Tree Work

  • The cost of maintenance or removal of trees on private property remains ineligible for reimbursement under any program at this time.
  • Participation in the 50/50 Sidewalk Repair Assistance Program is contingent upon the conditions identified during the City’s inspection and, where applicable, a certified arborist’s evaluation.
    • Please note:
      • The findings of a certified arborist may influence the scope, eligibility, or approval of your sidewalk repair project.
      • If the arborist determines that a tree is healthy and structurally sound, the City may require that the tree remain in place—even if its roots are contributing to sidewalk damage.
      • In such cases, sidewalk replacement options may be limited, and the design of the repair may need to accommodate the preservation of the tree. This may increase the complexity or cost of repairs and may affect the reimbursable scope under the program.
      • If the arborist determines that a tree cannot withstand root pruning or must be removed to safely proceed, the City may require additional permitting and documentation prior to authorizing reimbursement.
      • Unauthorized tree removal or root disturbance is strictly prohibited and may result in denial of reimbursement.
      • Tree removal, root pruning, or other tree-related work is not eligible for reimbursement under this program.
      • Applicants are strongly advised to await City and arborist guidance before initiating any work involving trees or tree roots, to avoid disqualification from the program.

The program is designed to:

  • Improve public safety and accessibility by repairing cracked, uneven, or sidewalks with safety concerns.
  • Address flooding and drainage issues by ensuring curbs and gutters function properly.
  • Assist property owners with the financial burden of required repairs.
  • Reduce long-term liability risks for property owners.

Step-by-Step Guide for Residents

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Property owners qualify for the program if they meet the following criteria:

  1. Own the property adjacent to the sidewalk, curb, or gutter in need of repair.
  2. The repair is necessary due to deterioration, displacement, cracking, or flooding issues.
  3. The sidewalk, curb, or gutter has not been damaged by private construction work or personal negligence.
  4. The repair work will be completed by a licensed contractor meeting City standards including paying prevailing wage.

Step 2: Request a Complimentary City Inspection

Before starting repairs, property owners must schedule a sidewalk, curb, and gutter inspection to determine if they qualify for cost-sharing.

  • Contact the Public Works Department
  • City Inspection Criteria
    A City inspector will assess the sidewalk, curb, and gutter conditions based on the following:

    • Sidewalk Issues: Cracks, displacement greater than ½ inch, tree root damage, spalling, or missing sections.
    • Curb Issues: Broken or missing curbs, accessibility issues, improper drainage.
    • Gutter Issues: Poor drainage, standing water, cracks, separation from the street.

Once the inspection is completed, the property owner will receive a written inspection report indicating whether the repair qualifies for the program.

Step 3: Submit a Program Application

If the repair qualifies, the property owner must submit an official 50/50 Program Application for approval.

  • Application Form: Available online at cityofpetaluma.org/5050Sidewalk or at City Hall Permit Counter located in the City Hall West Wing.
    •  Visit us during our in-person counter hours: Monday through Thursday, 9am - 4pm.
  • Required Documents:
    • A copy of the City inspection report.
    • A copy of the completed application form
    • Proof of property ownership (e.g., property tax bill, deed).

Application Submission

Submit the completed application in person at City Hall, 11 English St. or 1318 Redwood Way,

or via email to [email protected].

Approval Process

  • City staff will review applications within 30 days.
  • If approved, the applicant will receive a Notice to Proceed with repairs.
  • If denied, applicants will be notified of the reasons and may submit an appeal request.

Step 4: Hire a Licensed Contractor

  • Contractor Requirements
  • Property owners must hire a licensed contractor registered with the City of Petaluma.
  • Contractors must adhere to ADA compliance, prevailing wage standards, City design requirements.
  • The work must be completed within 74 days of approval.

Note: 3 quotes recommended

Step 5: Obtain Permits

Step 6: Complete the Repair Work

  • All repairs must comply with City engineering and ADA standards.
  • Property owners should retain:
  • Invoices and proof of payment
    • Property owners are required to pay the full cost upfront. After the work is completed and the application is processed, the City will issue a reimbursement check.
    • Before and after photos of the repair area

Step 7: Request Reimbursement

Once work is completed, the property owner must submit a reimbursement request.

Required Documents for Reimbursement

  • Final contractor invoice demonstrating zero balance or proof of payment (canceled check, contractor receipt)

Processing Time

  • The City will verify compliance within 15 business days.
  • Approved applicants will receive a reimbursement check covering 50% of eligible repair costs, up to a maximum of $2,000 for repair costs, $800 for a certified arborist report (if required by City Inspector), and $700 in Encroachment Permit fee waiver.

Municipal Code References

The program aligns with Petaluma Municipal Code (PMC) Chapter 13.10 – DUTY OF PROPERTY OWNER TO MAINTAIN SIDEWALKS AND PUBLIC STREET LANDSCAPE PLANTERS, which currently places maintenance responsibility on property owners:

  • PMC 13.10.010 – Trees- Property Owner Maintenance Responsibility and Duty to Public
    • " Property owners required by this section to maintain trees, shrubs, hedges and other landscaping shall owe a duty to members of the public using public streets and sidewalks to maintain such trees, shrubs, hedges or other landscaping in compliance with provisions under this title and city-adopted pruning guidelines, in a safe and non-dangerous condition for users of the public streets and sidewalks.."
  • PMC 13.10.020 – Maintenance and Repair of Sidewalks and Street Landscape Planters
    • " The owners of lots or portions of lots adjacent to or fronting on any portion of a sidewalk area between the property line of the lots and the street line, including landscape planting strips, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, and persons in possession of such lots by virtue of any permit or right shall repair and maintain such sidewalk areas and pay the costs and expenses therefor.”
  • PMC 13.10.030 – Liability for Injuries to Public
    • " If as a result of the failure of any property owner to maintain the sidewalk area in a non-dangerous condition, any person suffers injury or damage to person or property, the property owner shall be liable to such person for the resulting damages or injury. (Ord. 1970 NCS § 3 (part), 1994.)”
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