Memphis Overview
June 29, 2015
Response from:
City of Memphis, Division of Engineering, Bikeway/Pedestrian Program Manager
Response format: email
Where does funding come from? How is it implemented?
Adjacent property owners are responsible for maintenance and construction of sidewalks. Exact verbiage from the code states, “The lot owner shall assume the responsibility of installation, maintenance and repair of the required sidewalks along the lot frontage(s) upon occupying the structure on the lot.... The notice in each case shall specify what is required of the owner with respect to the sidewalk. The notice shall advise the owner that unless the requirement is carried out within 30 days of the date of service, mailing or publication of the notice, the necessary work will be done by the city at the expense of the owner.” Link to verbiage: https://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientId=15114
How are repair and maintenance sites prioritized?
Funds from our operating budget (tax funds) are used to enforce sidewalk repair by adjacent property owners. These same funds are used to pay for sidewalk repair through a newly approved assistance program, where low income, senior citizen, or disabled residents can receive 100% financial assistance to repair sidewalks on residential properties.
Additional notes.
The City recently completed a data-driven sidewalk improvement plan which prioritizes sidewalk repair in the proximity of schools. The execution of this plan is not yet funded. (https://bikepedmemphis.wordpress.com/pedestrians/pedestrian-projects/118412-00-stp-pedestrian-action-plan/)
Other sidewalk repairs are driven totally by complaints from residents triggering investigation into sidewalk conditions at particular locations. When a complaint is received, it triggers an automatic review of the property’s sidewalk. If the sidewalk is not in compliance with city standards, the city will provide notification. If repairs are not made, the city can make arrangements to handle the repair through order of Environmental Court resulting in completed repairs and a lien against the property for reimbursement.