Sausalito rolls out sidewalk repair cost-sharing program

Sausalito will split the cost of sidewalk repairs with homeowners through a new program.

The City Council unanimously approved a pilot of an annual sidewalk repair program at its April 16 meeting. The program is aimed at helping property owners in the city repair sidewalks fronting their homes, which according to state and city code is their responsibility to maintain. Despite this, many residents remain unaware of the rule, according to city staff.

“This was something that was surprising to me to learn, that the sidewalks were not primarily the city’s to maintain,” Vice Mayor Joan Cox said. “So I’m really pleased to hear your proposal that the city help to defray that cost.”

Public Works Director Kevin McGowan said repairs can be pricey, which is often a barrier to fixing the sidewalks. The initiative is meant to encourage property owners to repair their sidewalks with the city paying 50% of the repair costs up to $1,000. The sidewalk plan would be part of the capital improvement program for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

Sidewalks that are in poor condition can be a safety hazard. Maintaining a sidewalk includes root trimming and barriers, removing weeds and debris, and trimming shrubs as well as replacing the sidewalk, curbs and gutters if needed.

“We need residents to help us to fix these sidewalks and it’s better to be proactive and cooperative than it is to go down the nuisance abatement process all the time and trying to get folks to do things,” McGowan said.

City Attorney Sergio Rudin said Sausalito has received 26 claims in the past 10 years relating to sidewalk repair and maintenance.

McGowan said the city is fully responsible for repairing sidewalks that have been damaged by city-planted trees. A list of which trees were planted by the city will be developed before the program goes into effect.

Sausalito will set aside $40,000 annually to help and incentivize people to repair the sidewalks in front of their properties. The available funds would be on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds are spent, according to a staff report. Residents will be able to apply for reimbursement.

Additionally, curb and gutters in the city need to be replaced but are in the road and adjacent to the sidewalks. Through the program, the city will cover the cost up to $4,000 in residential areas, and up to $1,000 in commercial areas for curb and gutter replacements. The city would be responsible for all repairs due to vegetation and landscaping planted by the city.

The public works department will identify sidewalks in need of repair and notify homeowners. The city will include a list of suggested contractors and cost estimates, as well as create a webpage with information on sidewalk repairs. McGowan said it is normally between $25 and $30 per square foot to replace a sidewalk.

Councilmember Melissa Blaustein asked if other communities have implemented similar co-payment programs. McGowan said San Rafael and San Anselmo have sidewalk programs like the one being considered, with mixed results. Some neighborhoods, like Gerstle Park in San Rafael, have struggled with tree-related issues that have been difficult to solve, while other neighborhoods, like Glenwood, have received the program well.

McGowan said the first focus area for a sidewalk inspection program will be Caledonia Street and Bridgeway, where there is a lot of foot traffic. Cox said these areas also have many city-planted trees, and McGowan noted that these trees might be causing a lot of hazards already, including being a liability to the city.

McGowan said he hopes all the sidewalks in Sausalito will be repaired within the next 10 years.

“Walking in Sausalito is important to the community and continuing to have sidewalks with minimal displacements is important for access,” McGowan said.