Public Works - Sidewalk Replacement Program

In an effort to improve the appearance and quality, and to promote the safety of Brownstown Township neighborhoods, Brownstown has adopted a sidewalk replacement program. This program is in accordance with ordinance #238 Sidewalk Construction and Repair. The program is necessary to help reduce homeowner/Township injury liabilities and give all Township residents hazard-free walking or bicycling within our neighborhoods. The program is designed to be revolving and each of the three sections of the Township should be inspected every fourth year for sidewalk repair/replacement. Inspections will include subdivisions, site condos, and other non-gated communities. If after inspection the Township inspector determines that a homeowner’s sidewalk is in need of repair/replacement the property owner will be notified accordingly. All notices are mailed to affected addresses and in the case of rental properties notices may need to be forwarded to the property owner by the renter.

Brownstown Township’s inspector will mark defective sidewalk sections with ORANGE dots/lines to designate areas of property owner responsibility. Homeowners can also request additional flags of sidewalk to be marked and replaced at their expense. Sections that are the responsibility of the Township shall be designated with an ORANGE (T). This would include, but not limited to, structures in the sidewalk such as sanitary/storm sewer manholes and water gate manholes. The Township will also install, repair or replace sidewalk ramps as required to meet the guidelines set by the American Disabilities Act (ADA).

Property owners will have 60 days from date of notification to complete all concrete work should they choose to hire a private contractor or do the work themselves. Any work performed by someone other than the Township’s contractor shall require you or your contractor to secure a PERMIT thru the Community Services Department and pay appropriate fees. Permit information can be obtained by calling 734-675-0166. Work performed without a permit will be invoiced and payable as replacement done by Township contractor.

A typical sidewalk flag/section is 5ft by 5ft, or 25 square feet. Some may vary slightly in total square footage. Sidewalk concrete is 4 inches in depth except through the driveway cross sections where this portion of concrete is 6 inches in depth. Pricing is based on 4 inch or 6 inch thick cement. Invoicing will be done by actual square footage as measured per the Township inspector. For current prices please contact Brownstown DPW. All per square foot pricing includes a 10% administrative fee.

For more information, please call Brownstown Township DPW @ 734-675-4000 or see our Frequently Asked Questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are sidewalks being inspected?
The sidewalks in your area are being inspected to determine if any portion of the sidewalk is in need of repair/replacement. The inspections are being conducted in accordance to ordinance # 238 Sidewalk Construction and Repair.

This program was implemented in an effort to improve the aesthetics of neighborhoods and to promote safety in Brownstown. Sidewalk maintenance is important in both appearance and property value. More so, it may save a pedestrian from injury and you from a costly lawsuit.


What if the Township’s utility caused my sidewalk to need replacement?
Brownstown will assume responsibility for replacing sidewalk sections that are damaged due to water, sanitary, or storm structures that are located within the sidewalk. These sections will be marked with an ORANGE (T) to designate Township responsibility. Also included as Township responsibility are ADA ramps.


Does Brownstown remove trees that may cause damage to sidewalks?
No. Only tree roots that have caused damage to sidewalks will be ground out prior to new concrete being poured. For tree removal from road right of way / easement, contact Wayne County Forestry at 734-955-2288.


What if my sprinkler system or invisible pet fence is damaged?
The contractor will repair any damage to irrigation systems that may be damaged during construction. Property owners must notify Brownstown DPW @ 734-675-4000 within seven days of any damage to irrigation systems. Damages not reported within seven days will be the responsibility of the homeowner. Neither Brownstown nor the contractor shall be held responsible for damage to invisible pet fences. Invisible fences are the sole responsibility of the homeowner.

Who will restore my property after the concrete work is complete?
Once the work is completed, and a short time after the forms have been removed, the contractor will restore your property with top soil and seed only. No sod will be used. The homeowner will be responsible to water the new seed. Restoration will be limited to the area of the defective sidewalk.

How long before I can drive or walk on newly poured concrete?
New concrete may be walked on 24 hours after it has been poured. Pavement within the cross-section of the driveway may not be driven on or parked on for a minimum of (7) seven days.

FYI
Brownstown’s sidewalk ordinance #238 may be viewed on our website at www.brownstown-mi.org or you can obtain a copy from the Clerk’s office. You may also call Brownstown DPW @ 734-675-4000.
For permit information please contact Community Services @ 734-675-0166.

Options of Choice

Option #1
You may hire a licensed contractor of your choice. All terms and payment must be negotiated between you and your contractor and are the sole responsibility of the homeowner. Your contractor will need to secure a PERMIT from the Community Service Department prior to the start of any work.

Option # 2
You may elect to perform the replacement work yourself. You must also secure a PERMIT from the Community Service Department prior to the start of any work.

Option # 3
In some cases sidewalk sections may be lifted or raised to remove a trip hazard or improve the elevation of the sidewalk flag. If this were the process of choice it would be solely the responsibility of the homeowner. Although this type work does not require a permit, the completed improvement must be inspected and approved by our DPW sidewalk inspector to be removed from the replacement list.


Option # 4
If you choose not to do anything, then 60 days after notification letters are sent out Brownstown’s contractor will automatically replace any marked sidewalk sections. Property owners will then be invoiced at per square foot pricing for any concrete that has been replaced.


Please Note
In the case of options 1, 2, and 3 all required permits must be secured prior to the start of any work and Brownstown DPW must be notified of your intentions as the homeowner, any work to be performed must be completed and approved within 60 days of date on property owner notification from Brownstown Township.
For PERMIT information please contact Community Services at 734-675-0166
Should you have any other questions or concerns please contact Brownstown DPW at 734-675-4000

Township's Responsibility

Utility Structures

 

ADA Ramps

 

Homeowner's Responsibility

Scaling

 

Raised or Settled Greater then ½”

 

Broken or Displaced 25% or ½” Cracks

 

Cracks Greater then ½” or 25%

 

Tree Roots

 

Settlement / Pooling Water