Sidewalk Repair Reimbursement Program

The City of Wilsonville recognizes that the maintenance and repair of sidewalks within the city is necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents and visitors. According to Wilsonville Code Section 2.220, the adjacent property owner is responsible for the maintenance and repair of their sidewalk.

Wilsonville aims to grow, nurture, and protect its street trees, maintaining the City’s status as a “Tree City USA”.  However, sidewalk damage is often caused by the roots of street trees.

The Residential Sidewalk Repair Reimbursement Program was developed in recognition of the inherent conflict between tree roots and sidewalks, and the accompanying financial burden these public policies place upon property owners.

Eligibility 

1. Applications will only be accepted for sidewalks along public streets, plus replacing the trees along the sidewalk if approved by the Planning Department through the applicable permit.  
2. Property-owners may only apply for one reimbursement for one property in a calendar year.
3. First-time applicants will be given priority over previous applicants.
4. Applications must be received and approved by the City before the work begins. Retroactive applications will not be accepted.
5. Program is only available for use with residential properties.
6. Work must be completed within 90 days of application approval.  If this deadline is not able to be met, applicant may apply for a one time extension as determined by the City.  Applicant must contact the City at least 14 days prior to the work deadline if an extension is necessary.

 Allocation of Funds

1. Reimbursable funds may only be used for the repair or replacement of existing sidewalks that have been damaged by the roots of street trees, including tree removal and replacement as approved by the Planning Department through the applicable permit.
2. Property-owners are responsible for obtaining and complying with the conditions of the City’s right-of-way permit for jobs that require sidewalk replacement.  All repairs to sidewalk sections must comply with pertinent City construction standards.
3. In order to access funds, property-owners must obtain three competitive bids. The maximum reimbursement will be 50% of the lowest bid or 50% of the actual invoiced amount, whichever is less, regardless of who the property-owner chooses for the work, subject to a cap of $1,500 per application.
4. For grinding or patching, the maximum grant reimbursement will be 50% of the invoiced cost, subject to a cap of $500.
5. All grant awards and reimbursements will be made on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to the availability of funds in the approved City Budget. Once the budgeted amount has been expended, no further applications will be approved.
6. The lack of sufficient funds to cover the number of applications received by the City in any given year will not excuse the property-owner from the responsibility of maintaining the adjoining sidewalk in a safe condition nor create any liability to the City for any unsafe sidewalks.
7. The annual program budget will be allocated an equal amount each quarter of the fiscal year.  Any remaining funds from the previous quarter will roll over to the next quarter.  Remaining funds at the conclusion of the fiscal year shall not roll over to the following year, in an effort to encourage citizens to take a proactive stance towards the state of their sidewalk.
8. Application must be approved prior to the commencement of work; retroactive permits shall not be considered.

Procedures

Step 1. Before the work begins.  Property-owner submits application form with competitive bids.

Submit Application Online (will need to attach bids electronically)
OR
Print Application Packet, application may be emailed to sidewalk@ci.wilsonville.or.us or mailed to City Hall Attn: Sidewalk Repair Grant Program 29799 SW Town Center Loop E Wilsonville, OR 97070. Applications must be signed by the owner of the subject property and have copies of bids attached.

Step 2. City confirms reimbursement eligibility and approves application.  Work begins.

Upon verification that the sidewalk has been damaged by the roots of protected trees, the Sidewalk Repair Reimbursement Application may be approved, subject to available funds, and the homeowner will be notified that the work may proceed.  Completed right-of-way permit applications must accompany the Sidewalk Repair Reimbursement Application, along with a check for the non-reimbursable permit fee ($150 or 7% of the total cost – whichever is higher) and three written estimates from contractors. The work must then be completed within 90 days.  If the work is unable to be completed within the 90 days due to unforeseen circumstances, the applicant may request a one-time extension as determined by the City.  Applicant must contact the City at least 14 days prior to the work deadline if an extension is necessary.

Step 3. Work is completed.  Property-owner pays contractor then submits reimbursement request with final invoice.

After the work has been completed, the homeowner must submit the actual invoice from the contractor along with a signed Sidewalk Repair Reimbursement Request form. Upon approval by the City, the grant funds will be disbursed in the amount of 50% of the invoice or 50% of the lowest bid for jobs requiring a permit subject to a maximum of $1,500, or 50% of the invoice amount subject to a maximum of $500 for grinding or patching work.