Title
Briefing on Sidewalk Condition Assessment Results
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive a briefing on Sidewalk Condition Assessment results.
Report
Issue:
Whether to a briefing on Sidewalk Condition Assessment results.
Staff Contact:
Max DeJarnatt, Associate Planner, Public Works Transportation, 360.570.3723
Presenter(s):
Max DeJarnatt, Associate Planner
Background and Analysis:
Some sidewalks in Olympia are in a state of poor repair, and efforts to encourage the adjacent property owners to fix them are often not successful.
Currently, OMC 12.36.010 requires adjacent property owners to repair their sidewalks. The City does maintain sidewalks on streets where we maintain street trees: downtown and along many major corridors. These streets have a lot of pedestrian activity and transit stops.
Elsewhere, once we are aware of a damaged sidewalk, we send a letter to the property owner and request that they repair the sidewalk adjacent to their property.
In November 2023, City staff briefed LUEC on the City’s approach to sidewalk repair and presented examples of approaches used by other cities. The Committee requested that staff complete a sidewalk condition inventory to understand the extent of sidewalk damage citywide.
Over the summer of 2024, a contractor completed this inventory, identifying nearly 28,000 unique areas of sidewalk damage. They categorized these areas by type and severity level. Their final report, attached, summarizes their findings.
In 2024, staff used $450,000 in capital funds to repair 19 sites of sidewalk damage throughout the city. Also last year, City crews repaired 25 sites of damage. This data is useful in considering a path forward for addressing sidewalk repair.
At this meeting, staff will share the results of the inventory, and the relative costs of completing sidewalk repair, either through a contractor or city crews.
In 2026, a discussion with LUEC is planned to explore optional policy approaches to sidewalk repair. Options range from continuing to place the responsibility on property owners and following through with code enforcement actions, to making repairs with City funds, with several hybrid approaches in between. To prepare for this discussion, staff will be asking what additional information the LUEC may need to inform a recommendation.
Climate Analysis:
Making it easier for people to walk is a key strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. Ensuring that sidewalks are in good repair is one way the City can promote walking.
The majority of severe sidewalk damage is caused by street tree roots. The City has robust street tree requirements, which is important not only for reducing the urban heat island effect but also to make walking more inviting. Reducing the damage of street tree roots on sidewalks is one of the many ways Olympia can adapt to climate change.
Equity Analysis:
For many vulnerable people, walking - often to a bus stop - is their primary form of transportation. This includes children, some elders, and people who cannot afford a vehicle. For some people with disabilities who use walking aids, such as wheelchairs or walkers, a damaged sidewalk can be a barrier that prevents them from getting to where they need to go.
Additionally, uneven enforcement of the current policy is inequitable.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Sidewalk damage is consistently raised as a concern by residents and business owners. Most property owners are not aware that they are responsible for fixing them. For some property owners, sidewalk repair can be a financial burden.
Financial Impact:
The inventory was completed by a consultant and cost $77,500. Except for staff time, there is no direct financial impact of reviewing the inventory and exploring policy options.
Options:
1. Receive a briefing on Sidewalk Condition assessments results.
2. Do not receive the briefing.
3. Receive the briefing at another time.
Attachments:
Sidewalk Condition Inventory Report