Special Assessment District:
The City initiated its annual sidewalk repair program in 1991 following the Federal Government’s approval of the American Disability Act. The City Council was concerned about the deteriorated conditions of the sidewalks throughout the city and directed the Engineering Department to provide a program that not only would bring the sidewalks up to safety standards, but also would ease the financial burden.
Under current “City Code”, property owners are responsible for the maintenance of the sidewalk in front of their property. Whenever a sidewalk falls into a state of disrepair or is deemed unsafe, the City has the authority to require the property owner to make the necessary repairs within 30 days of receipt of a written notice. The property owner has the option to have the repairs done by a contractor of their choosing, or having the work done by the contractor designated by the City of Southfield. The City finances the contracted work and charges the property owner through an assessment payment program.
The City requires no cost or assessment to any property owner whose sidewalks are in satisfactory condition. Owners are assessed only for the repairs required at their property.
Sidewalk assessments are payable in annual installments over a ten (10) year period with six (6%) percent interest on the unpaid balance.
There has recently been established a “Grant” for low to moderate income property owners. As defined under the “Block Grant” regulations, those people will be eligible for the grant to pay all costs for sidewalk repair in front of their property. However, private or additional work is NOT eligible.
Throughout the years, the City has improved upon the program by including approaches that are considered unsafe for pedestrians accessing their mailboxes or placing refuge receptacles at the curb. Filling in sidewalk gaps to improve pedestrian access and safety, thus complying with the ADA requirements.
The Engineering Department provides detailed inventory sheets for each property within the assigned Special Assessment District. Another service given to the property owners, which other cities do not offer to their residents, is the opportunity to request a “reinspection”. This allows the property owner to speak to a representative from the Engineering Department and discuss the reasons their sidewalks have been marked for replacement.
CRITERIA 
(35MB)