Centreville schedules public hearings on revised sidewalk and penalty ordinances

The Centreville Town Council reviewed a revised sidewalk ordinance (amended Ordinance 11-2024) at first reading and discussed a separate penalty-section update (Ordinance 13-2024); public hearings have been scheduled for January.

Council members parsed specific text in the sidewalk revision about when a property owner must obtain a permit and when repairs do not require a permit. The council clarified that a property owner may request a permit to install a new sidewalk fronting the owner's property and that repairs to existing sidewalks do not require a permit unless the repair involves an alteration.

Council members asked about allowable materials for sidewalks; the draft language lists brick set in concrete, concrete and other suitable materials for designated areas. Members also raised a gap in the draft regarding third-party damage: the draft addresses damage caused by the town and damage attributable to a property owner, but does not explicitly describe how the town will handle damage caused by third parties. A council member suggested the language be broadened so that, where the town is aware of third-party damage and can identify the responsible party, the town would pursue reimbursement from that party; the transcript includes a practical example where a pool company damaged a sidewalk and the company ultimately made repairs after being identified.

Regarding the penalty-section update, the council confirmed Ordinance 13-2024 is at second reading and that a public hearing is planned in January. Council members agreed to hold a public hearing on the sidewalk ordinance as well; the transcript indicates a public hearing for the sidewalks is scheduled for Jan. 2.

No final votes on either ordinance were recorded in the provided transcript; both items will return for public hearing and further council action.