Question 1

Which Department should I contact for Tree and Parks questions?

Accepted Answer

Any questions regarding the trees or parks should be addressed to the Parks & Forestry Division of the Parks & Recreation Department. They can be reached from the phone number: 614-583-5340.

Question 2

Who do I contact for a Damaged Tree?

Webmaster · Accepted Answer

A damaged tree should be reported to the Parks & Forestry Division. They can be reached by phone number 614-583-5340.

Question 3

Who is responsible for sidewalk repairs?

Webmaster · Accepted Answer

Consistent with most communities, the maintenance and repair for sidewalks is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner, per City Ordinance 901.03. The City is responsible for repairs when damage has been caused by the roots of City-owned trees in the public right of way, defects caused by utility manholes or valves, as well as any curb ramps. If you believe a trip hazard is being caused by a tree root, please contact our Parks & Forestry Division for evaluation at 614-583-5340.

Question 4

My neighbor's tree overhangs into my yard; can I cut it?

Webmaster · Accepted Answer

We advise you to seek legal guidance from you own attorney concerning private property rights. If you have a concern about a dangerous tree on public or private property, please contact the Parks & Forestry Division at 614-583-5340.

Question 5

What criteria are used to identify sidewalk defects?

Webmaster · Accepted Answer

Sidewalks are inspected according to criteria outlined in City Code 901.03.

Question 6

Who is responsible for driveway apron and gutter repair?

Webmaster · Accepted Answer

Access to your residence includes the driveway, sidewalk within the driveway, driveway apron and driveway gutter. The property owner is responsible for maintenance and repairs of all parts of the driveway access per City Code 901.06. It is the City's policy not to replace defective or deteriorated driveway entrances at the City's expense unless the curb and gutter in the entire block is being replaced by the City as part of a street reconstruction project.

Question 7

I received a notification to repair my sidewalk, how much will it cost for the City preform the repairs for me?

Webmaster · Accepted Answer

The City charges the property owner a per-panel price based on the winning bid received for the project. It is not possible to know the exact price per panel until the bid has been awarded. As a frame of reference, costs for the 2020 Sidewalk Maintenance Program were $160 per four-inch panel and $175 per six-inch panel. Please note: the costs for the 2021 Sidewalk Maintenance Program may be higher or lower.

Question 8

I would like additional work performed; can the City replace extra sidewalk or part of my driveway?

Webmaster · Accepted Answer

The City will only be replacing the sidewalk panels identified in the notification that you received and is unable to facilitate additional repairs. The scope and quantity of repairs is the predetermined amount on which the contractor has based their price. If you would like to have additional concrete work or repairs performed at your property, we encourage you to seek a private contractor.

Question 9

Can I fix my sidewalk myself?

Webmaster · Accepted Answer

Yes. You may hire a contractor or do the actual work yourself. Please make sure that you follow the approved methods of repair/correction, as outlined in the sidewalk notification letter. Any repair that is not approved will be repaired directly by the City and the cost will be billed or assessed back to you.

Question 10

Will the City be performing leveling, grinding and replacement repairs?

Webmaster · Accepted Answer

The City will choose the lowest bid contractor to perform the repairs. The contractor chosen will decide the method of repair to be performed. For the 2020 Sidewalk Maintenance Program, the only method of repair utilized was panel replacement. The City anticipates a similar approach for the 2021 Sidewalk Maintenance Program Contract.

Question 11

Do I need a permit to replace my sidewalk?

Webmaster · Accepted Answer

Typically a permit is required from the Engineering Division when sidewalks are replaced in the public right-of-way. However, the February 2021 sidewalk repair notices mailed to non-compliant properties also function as the permit for purposes of the Sidewalk Maintenance Program. A free permit from the Parks & Forestry Division is required when excavation is performed within 10 feet of a street tree. Permits are not required for leveling or grinding of existing concrete sidewalks.

Type	Application Fee	Planning Review Fee	Building Review Fee	Permit Fee
New Building	$225	$75	Residential - $75 Commercial - review at hourly rate	0.5% of construction value
Addition	Residential - $75 Commercial - $225	$75	Residential - $75 Commercial - review at hourly rate	Residential - 1.25% of construction value Commercial - 0.5% of construction value
Interior Remodel, Basement	Residential - $75 Commercial - $225	$75	Residential - $75 Commercial - review at hourly rate	Residential - 1% of construction value Commercial - 0.75% of construction value
VARIOUS: - Detached Garage - Covered Patio - Deck - Accessory Structure ≥ 200 SF - Swimming Pool - Multiple/Other	$75	$75	Residential - $75 Commercial - review at hourly rate	Residential - 1% of construction value Commercial - 0.75% of construction value
Solar Panels	$75	No Charge	$75	No Charge

Detail	Fee
Certificate of Zoning Compliance	$50
Fence Permit	$50
Zoning Worksheet	No Charge

Detail	Fee
Electrical Permit	$100 minimum
HVAC Permit	$100 minimum
Gas Line Permit	$100 minimum
Sewer Permit	$100 minimum
Plumbing Permit	Per Franklin County Public Health
Demolition Permit	Residential - $250 Commercial - $500
Sign Permit	$150

Type	Fee	Bond	Liability Insurance
General Contracting	$100	$5,000	$100,000-$300,000
Demo Contracting	$100	$10,000	$100,000-$300,000
HVAC: Warm Air Heating	$100
Refrigeration	$100
Steam & Hot Water	$100
Ventilation/Air Conditioning	$100
Electric	$100
Master Plumber	$100	$5,000
Driveway (Approach) & Sidewalk	$100	$5,000
Sewer Builder	$100	$5,000

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Step 1 - Application & Plan Submission

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Building, Planning & Zoning (1)

Do I need a permit to replace my sidewalk?