Title
Sidewalk Repair Briefing
Recommended Action
Information only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
The City Council has requested that staff explore policy options to improve the state of repair of sidewalks.
Staff Contact:
Michelle Swanson, AICP, Senior Planner, Public Works | Transportation, 360.753.8575.
Presenter(s):
Michelle Swanson
Background and Analysis:
As with many cities in Washington state, in Olympia property owners are responsible for keeping sidewalks adjacent to their property in good repair. On some streets where the City maintains street trees, the City may repair sidewalks as resources allow. These streets often correspond to those with higher-frequency transit and greater pedestrian activity.
Last year, the City Council requested that staff explore policy options that could improve the state of repair of sidewalks. We have researched the causes of poor sidewalk conditions, contacted other cities to learn how they approach this issue, and are prepared to share some possible approaches with the Land Use and Environment Committee in June. The LUEC is a subcommittee of the City Council. We will ask the LUEC to direct us on which option to further explore in greater detail.
The purpose of this briefing is to share with the Planning Commission what we have learned so far and incorporate your feedback into future work on this topic.
Climate Analysis:
Making it easier for people to walk is a key strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Equity Analysis:
For people who use walking aids, such as wheelchairs or walkers, sidewalks in poor condition are a barrier to getting around. Additionally, our current policy requires that adjacent property owners, regardless of income or ability to hire a contractor and fulfill City permitting requirements, repair their sidewalks.
Options:
None - information only.
Financial Impact:
There are no financial impacts from this briefing.
Attachments:
None