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Contact Information

201 4th Street SE
Room 108
Rochester, Mn 55904 (Map)

Phone: 507-328-2400
Fax: 507-328-2401

Mon-Fri 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

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Sidewalk Repair Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the sidewalk painted with pink paint?
What does the paint marking on the sidewalk mean?
At a street intersect, the corner panel and pedestrian ramp are marked, who will pay for that?
Does the city pay for any of the sidewalk replacement cost?
Can the cost of the sidewalk replacement be added to the property taxes?
How much will it cost if the city does the work?
How does the city cost compare with private contractors?
Will the city crews also replace sidewalk that was not marked?
Who can do the sidewalk repair work?
How do I find a contractor?
Who gets the permit?
Will the city complete the sidewalk replacement within the 60-days required by the letter?
What if a tree root lifted the sidewalk?
Is mud-jacking permitted?
Is grinding permitted?
Can the property owners mix their own concrete?
Where can standards and more information be obtained?

Why was the sidewalk painted with pink paint?
The Department of Public Works inspects sidewalk for safety defects in response to citizen complaint, reported falls or scheduled inspections of large areas of the city.
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What does the paint marking on the sidewalk mean?
The edges of tripping hazards are painted to visually alert pedestrians to the defect and reduce the chance for a fall. The X on a sidewalk panel will note panels to be replaced or arrows will be used to mark the limits of replacement for multi-panel replacement areas.
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At a street intersect, the corner panel and pedestrian ramp are marked, who will pay for that?
The pedestrian ramps, including the corner panel at a street intersection are the responsibility of the city. City sidewalk crews will remove and replace these pedestrian ramp areas at no cost to the property owner.
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Does the city pay for any of the sidewalk replacement cost?
If the sidewalk replacement work is completed by the city crews, the City of Rochester will reduce the cost of sidewalk replacement charged to the property owners in the following cases:

• Pedestrian ramp areas are fully at the city expense.
• Sidewalk replacement of sidewalk less than 2 years old is warranted by the contractor that installed the sidewalk.
• For sidewalk in R-1 and R-2 use areas (separate-single-family and most townhomes, only):
  • The city will replace safety defective sidewalk at the full expense of the city until the sidewalk reaches 10 years old.
  • For corner lots with sidewalk on two or more sides, the city will charge only 50% of the cost of the sidewalk on the longer side and 100% on the shorter side.

Can the cost of the sidewalk replacement be added to the property taxes?
If the city completes the sidewalk replacement, the property owner will receive an invoice for the sidewalk replacement upon completion of the work. If the invoice is not paid within 30-days, a service charge is added to the invoice each month. Once a year, normally in October or November, all unpaid invoices are referred to the City Council for collection though property tax assessment. For sidewalk replacement, the period of time that this assessment will run on the property taxes is 5 years.
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How much will it cost if the city does the work?
Property owners can call 328-2422 for an estimate of the total charges.
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How does the city cost compare with private contractors?
The city would rather the sidewalk replacement work were completed by private contractors and recommends that property owners use the private contractors whenever possible. It has not always been economical of property owners to attract private contractors to small sidewalk replacement jobs. Because the city’s rates are set based on the area of the sidewalk replacement, the property owner can usually obtain a lower price from a private contractor if the job is larger. The city rate could be lower than the private contractor rate for small jobs. The job size at which the private contractors will charge less is dependent on several factors including ‘how busy the sidewalk construction is’.
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Will the city crews also replace sidewalk that was not marked?
The city sidewalk replacement crews will only replace the sidewalk panels that were marked as a safety hazard and will not replace additional sidewalk panels, driveway aprons, service walk or concrete on private property. The property owner must have this type of work completed by the private contractors.
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Who can do the sidewalk repair work?
The property owner can replace the sidewalk. Property owners that consider completing their own sidewalk should be aware that concrete work is difficult to complete properly and the city holds the property owner’s workmanship to the same quality standards to which contractors are held. The property owner can hire a licensed sidewalk contractor. The property owner can have the city do the work. Any individuals paid by the property owner for sidewalk replacement are contractors and therefore must hold a valid sidewalk contractor’s license.
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How do I find a contractor?
The Yellow Pages can be used as a resource in contacting ‘Concrete Contractors’. Ask if they hold a city sidewalk license. Ask for references. Ask friends and acquaintances for recommendations. If you are unsure if a contractor holds a valid license, check the web at http://www.rochestermn.gov/departments/cityclerk/licenses/CurrentPreviousLicenseLists.asp or call 328-2400 or 328-2422 (recommendation will not be given by city staff).  
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Who gets the permit?
The person/contractor doing the work obtains the permit. If a contractor is hired, they must obtain the permit. If the property owner will do the work themselves, they must obtain the permit. Permits are obtained at 201 4 th Street SE , Room 108, Public Works at no cost. All that is needed is the address of the property and the name of the person or contractor conducting the sidewalk replacement. Permits will normally be issued while you wait.
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Will the city complete the sidewalk replacement within the 60-days required by the letter?
City ordinance requires the property owner to complete the replacement within 60-days. If the property owner opts to have the city complete the sidewalk replacement and notifies the city by either sending in the post card and by other written communication, that will be considered as meeting the intent of the 60-day deadline. The city crews schedule their work to include activities that require a month or more advanced planning and therefore is unlikely that they will be able to complete the work with 30-days or less notice.
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What if a tree root lifted the sidewalk?
The city has an eight page policy related to tree trunks located within 6” of sidewalk. If this situation exists please call 328-2422. Otherwise the following summary applies to most situations:

• Trees in the boulevard are city trees and can only be removed by the city. If the boulevard tree is in poor condition, contact the Park & Recreation Department, 287-7191, to evaluate the tree and determine if removal is appropriate. Please contact 328-2422 if an extension of the 60-day sidewalk replacement deadline is required to accommodate the removal of boulevard tree and stump.
• Trees located on the private property in part or in total are the responsibility of the property owner and the care and removal of these private trees can be conducted at the property owner’s discretion.
• The sidewalk replacement process requires the cutting and grinding of the tree roots to a depth of 6” below the bottom of the sidewalk. 
• The property owner is responsible for the sidewalk replacement for sidewalks raised by trees roots.

Is mud-jacking permitted?
Mud- jacking is not recommended as a sidewalk replacement/repair process by the city. However, the city does not prohibit the practice with the following limitations:

• Only panels that are settled may be lifted by mud-jacking. Lifting a good panel to align with a raised panel is prohibited.
• Mud-jacking is at the property owner’s risk. If unsuccessful, the sidewalk must be replaced.
• No city warrantee applies to mud-jacked panels.
• No permits or licenses are needed for mud-jacking, however, the property owner must receive an inspection by Public Works to comply with the sidewalk replacement notice/order.

Is grinding permitted?
Grinding is not recommended as a sidewalk replacement/repair process by the city. However, the city does not prohibit the practice with the following limitations:

• Only panels that are raised may be ground and the limit of grinding is a maximum of ¾” and the grinding must be adequately long across the panel. Grinding a good panel to align with a settled panel is prohibited.
• Grinding is at the property owner’s risk. If unsuccessful, the sidewalk must be replaced.
• No city warrantee applies to ground panels.
• No permits or licenses are needed for grinding, however, the property owner must receive an inspection by Public Works to comply with the sidewalk replacement notice/order.
• Since there are no written city standards for sidewalk grinding, approval of the acceptability of sidewalk grinding results is solely at the discretion of the Public Works.

Can the property owners mix their own concrete?
No. Only city approved ready-mix may be used for sidewalk replacement. Ready mix concrete is required to assure adequate strength and durability is achieved.
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Where can standards and more information be obtained?
City specification and standards related to the construction of sidewalk is available on-line or call 328-2422.  
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