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Council approves expanded sidewalk hardship guidelines to include more low‑income homeowners
Summary
Council approved updated 2026 sidewalk hardship exemption guidelines that add lower‑income triggers and clarify application timing and process; staff will mail final assessment letters before the second August meeting.
Ferndale City Council approved revised 2026 sidewalk hardship exemption guidelines that expand eligibility to include households between 50% and 80% of area median income and clarified application timing and supporting documentation.
Assistant City Manager James Bridal explained the changes and the process: hardship assistance remains targeted to residential properties, applications require proof of residency and income and may be submitted in person or by email. Bridal said the program will follow the 2024 process but add the low‑income column so more households can receive partial reductions; extremely low‑income applicants may be eligible for up to a 100% reduction. "The only thing different this year really from 2024 is adding low income triggers," Bridal said, noting the program’s aim to prevent sidewalk assessments from falling unfairly on low‑income residents.
Staff said final assessment letters will be mailed before the second August council meeting and that the hardship committee will meet prior to the Sept. 14 council meeting to finalize numbers and recommendations. Council approved the guidelines by roll call.
Next steps: staff to mail final assessment letters, advertise hardship committee openings and accept applications for hardship review before final assessments are placed on the winter tax roll.
