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1. What is the Safe Sidewalks Program?

This is an incentive program to assist residents with repairing damaged sidewalks adjacent to their properties. The City will reimburse 50% of the cost of the sidewalk repairs, subject to a maximum $2,500 per property frontage. Income-qualified residents may receive a match of 75% of the cost of the sidewalk repair, subject to a maximum of $3,750 per property frontage.  

For more information, visit our website at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/SafeSidewalks. 

2. Who is responsible for repairing damaged sidewalks in the City of Ventura?

The California Streets and Highway Code Section 5610 and Section 18.010.060 of the City’s Municipal Code requires that all sidewalks be maintained by adjacent property owners. The City does provide a level of maintenance for some sidewalks in the interest of public safety. View Section 18.010.060 of the City’s Municipal Code.  

3. Are there alternative ways to repair my lifted sidewalk?

Sidewalk “disruptions” up to 1.5 inches, such as a sidewalk panel lifted by a tree root, can often be mitigated by “shaving” the concrete to lower the lift and reduce the potential tripping hazard. This service is provided by the City at no cost to the property owner and can be requested by calling Public Works Streets at (805) 652-4515 or submitting a Service Request.  

4. How do I know that I am income-qualified?

Income qualifications are based on proof of a discounted utility bill per the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program. Information on the CARE program can be found at the California Public Utilities Commission website.  

5. Who qualifies for the Safe Sidewalks Program?

Residents who are property owners or tenants with proof of residency.  The sidewalk must be located within the City of Ventura public right-of-way and meet program eligibility requirements with existing sidewalks that are damaged and/or are not compliant with 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations.   

6. How long will the Safe Sidewalks Program be available?

The City’s Fiscal Year 2022-2023 budget (July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023) included $30,000 to fund the program. The funding is available on a first-come, first-serve basis until all funds are expended in the Fiscal Year. The program is paid for using Measure O funding and there is no guarantee the program will be funded from one year to the next. 

7. How do I apply for the Safe Sidewalks Program?

Applications for each program fiscal year will be accepted beginning in April 2021 until March 2022 and then every fiscal year July 1 through June 30. An application MUST be submitted prior to any permit or work begins in order to be eligible for reimbursement. Residents are responsible to obtain a quote and hire a qualifying contractor(s) to perform the eligible work.  The contractor must possess a current City-issued business license, a valid A, C-8, C-12 or C-61:D:06 contractor’s license in the State of California, be registered with the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), and meet all the DIR requirements for public works projects (see Question 8 for additional info). 

Residents must submit the application, which includes a work authorization, and permit form, to confirm the sidewalk damage qualifies and obtain approval.  The approved application serves as a permit to perform the authorized work.  A Public Works Inspector will conduct a pre-inspection and approve the sidewalk repair.  Completed work will be inspected for approval by the inspector. The resident may request reimbursement after work is completed, inspected, and approved, and the contractor is paid in full.  

8. Why does the contractor I use have to be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations?

Since public funds are being used to pay for this program, State law requires that the project meet guidelines for “Public Works” projects established by the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). The guidelines require that contractors working on these Public Works projects are registered with the DIR and that they pay prevailing wages to their employees working on the project.  

9. How do I get my reimbursement after my sidewalk repair is complete?

All work must be completed and copies of all receipts showing payment in full to the contractor(s) must be submitted to the City by June 30th of the program fiscal year, July 1 to June 30. If not already provided, documentation of eligibility for the CARE program (see Question 4) must be submitted as well. Upon receipt of all satisfactory documentation noted above, a reimbursement check will be mailed to the resident.  

10. Who is responsible for repairing damaged walls, steps, walkways, and driveways on my property?

Property owners are responsible for all repair work on their property or any private improvements in the public right-of-way.  

11. What about my damaged driveway approach between the curb and sidewalk?

This program does not apply to damaged driveways. The repair of any drive approaches, including the curbs within the drive approach is the property owner’s responsibility.  The City does not repair or replace approaches for property owners; however, partial replacement is occasionally necessary when the abutting sidewalk is replaced by the City.  

12. Will the City remove the tree in front of my property?

In many cases, public trees can be retained during the sidewalk repair process.  Tree roots can oftentimes be pruned to accommodate sidewalk, curb, and gutter reconstruction.  The City’s Urban Forestry staff may facilitate selective root pruning on the tree’s root system.  The City will make every attempt to preserve healthy trees.  Retention and survival of public trees are a priority during repairs. The City Arborist will perform a hazard evaluation at the time of inspection and will make a determination on the tree’s condition.  The City’s Tree Ordinance Chapter 20.150 governs public tree removal in the City of Ventura.  

For questions specific to trees please call the Parks and Recreation Department Urban Forestry at (805) 667-6519