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Council considers sidewalk-code changes and certification of unpaid sidewalk and sewer charges
Summary
Council held first readings on ordinances to certify unpaid sidewalk and sewer assessments for county collection and heard proposed amendments to the sidewalk maintenance code, including an exemption for owner-occupied one- to three-family properties from snow-and-ice removal.
Council members on June 22 introduced ordinances to certify unpaid city sidewalk-repair charges and delinquent sanitary sewer accounts for collection by the Cuyahoga County Fiscal Officer.
Mr. Furry explained Ordinance 38-26 would allow the City to certify unpaid sidewalk reconstruction costs to county tax bills for properties where the City paid for work; letters requesting payment went out with a July 13, 2026 deadline. He also introduced Ordinance 39-26 to certify delinquent sanitary sewer accounts (as of 12/31/25) for collection; Mr. Furry said the list includes "a little shy of 500 parcels," with amounts that range from small to significant. He said the list will likely be amended by substitution at the July 27 meeting.
Separately, Ms. Havemann presented first reading of Ordinance 51-26, which would amend Chapter 904 (Sidewalk Maintenance) to clarify inspection procedures, define objective criteria for defects, create an appeals process, and modify enforcement steps. The draft ordinance would exempt owner-occupied one-, two- and three-family residences from the legal requirement to remove snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their property while retaining snow-and-ice obligations for commercial properties.
Mayor Bobst noted commercial properties have been the City’s primary enforcement concern. Council did not take final votes on the sidewalk or certification ordinances during the meeting; the measures were introduced for future readings and possible amendment.
