Committee advances sidewalk reimbursement ordinance allowing homeowners to perform work with inspection

Lebanon City’s committee on Oct. 20 recommended forwarding an amendment to Chapter 28 of the city’s sidewalk reimbursement code that would let homeowners perform sidewalk work themselves so long as the work meets city specifications and is accepted after inspection.

During public comment, Ron Traney said he supported the idea of sidewalk reimbursement but objected to language in the draft that would require homeowners to use a city-approved contractor, noting he had not seen an "approved contractor" list and that contractor prices could make the program more expensive for homeowners. "If I do it myself, I can do it for $1,000," Traney said; "If I had a contractor do it, it's gonna cost $2,000."

The streets supervisor told the committee that homeowners who choose to pour their own sidewalks would remain liable until the city formally accepts the work: "The liability on the homeowner will be until the city says, yes. We will accept that sidewalk." Committee members emphasized inspection and an owner assurance form as controls; one draft directs the city inspector to inspect before and after acceptance. The draft under consideration also sets a reimbursement cap tied to square footage and proposes reimbursing up to 50% of the cost.

The committee agreed to forward the preferred draft to the full council for action next week, with staff and the city attorney to advise on final ordinance language.

Next steps: staff will submit the recommended ordinance language and the reimbursement schedule to council for a final decision.