Parowan reviews new sidewalk inspection policy required by insurer; council to adopt at next meeting

Dan Jessen presented a draft sidewalk policy developed in response to requirements from the city's insurer, Utah Local Governments Trust. The policy establishes tiered inspection frequencies: annual inspections for downtown, schools, parks and public buildings; residential neighborhoods every two to three years; low‑use areas every three to five years; and additional inspections following storms, construction, or complaints. Defects would be rated on a four‑tier priority scale from Priority 4 (monitor only, less than a quarter‑inch displacement) to Priority 1 (immediate hazard, greater than two‑inch displacement requiring temporary mitigation within 24 hours). Identified hazards that cannot be immediately repaired would be marked with paint or signage.

Scott Burns told the council that adopting a consistent inspection and documentation program supports the city's defensibility in sidewalk‑related litigation and cautioned that the only way to reduce liability is to implement and adhere to the policy. Aldo Biasi noted staffing limitations and interest in LiDAR and AI tools to streamline inspections. The council reached consensus to bring the draft policy back for formal adoption at the next regular meeting.