Sanitary Sewers
Properties connect to the sanitary sewer collection system through a pipe known as the sanitary sewer lateral (private laterals). Property owners are responsible for the installation and maintenance of their private lateral. The homeowner's private lateral is the entire line from the building connection to the tap into the sanitary sewer main line. Sanitary sewer main lines are commonly located in the utility right of way or in property easements. On rare occasions, the high pressure cleaning process can create a surge of air bubbles that travel into private laterals, causing water in toilets to gurgle or even splash out of the bowl. Additionally, the cleaning process may cause an odor in a home which will fade once the cleaning process is complete. If you see our crews working on the sanitary sewer lines in your area, we recommend that you make sure all toilet seats and lids are down as a precaution.
Curb, Gutter, and Sidewalk Repair
The maintenance and repair for sidewalks is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner.
When the City receives a complaint about a sidewalk trip or fall hazard, City staff will visit the site and conduct an inspection. If the sidewalk is found to be in need of repair or replacement the City will notify the adjacent property owner. Photos and measurements of the damage, including identification of which sections are the responsibility of the homeowner and which fall to the City, and a list of concrete contractors will be provided.
When repairs are the property owner’s responsibility, the City asks for the situation to be rectified within 90 days of notice. If the work has not been performed by this deadline, the City will contract for the repair work and the costs will be billed to the property owner. The homeowner will be given 30 days to pay this bill or the cost will be assessed to the parcel’s property taxes.
If the property owner is not in a position to repair/replace the concrete in question, they have the option to have the City’s contractor make the required repairs and have the cost assessed to the taxes of the property.
Curb, Gutter, Sidewalk, and Driveway Apron Repair and Replacement Program
More questions? Check out the FAQs below or contact the Service Department.