The City of South Bend’s Department of Public Works has announced additional opportunities for property owners to participate in its Curb & Sidewalk Reimbursement Program. Below is information the department sent to 95.3 MNC:
Anyone who is a homeowner or property owner, including businesses, within the city limits can now participate in the program. The original program was only open to homeowners.
The Curb & Sidewalk program assists property owners in making repairs to curbs, sidewalks and ADA ramps abutting their properties. In 2019, in addition to opening the program to all property owners, the City has established target areas based on income and conditions of the sidewalks. Homeowners who live within these target areas will receive a higher reimbursement amount. A brochure showing the target areas is attached.
| Homeowner Occupied | Homeowner Occupied (In Target Areas) | *All Other | |
| CURB | $15 per linear ft. | $30 per linear ft. | $7.50 per linear ft. |
| SIDEWALK | $20 per linear ft. | $40 per linear ft. | $10 per linear ft. |
| ADA RAMP | $950 per ramp | $950 per ramp | $950 per ramp |
* Includes landlords, businesses, churches, schools, etc. Maximum reimbursement amount is for 250 ft of curb and sidewalk combined.
In 2018, 57 residential properties participated in the program, replacing 2,844 feet of sidewalk and 2,601 feet of curbing. Per Chapter 18, Article 3 of the South Bend Municipal Code, the maintenance and repair of curb and sidewalk is the responsibility of the abutting property owner.
To participate in the program, residents need to fill out an application and receive pre-approval from the City prior to any construction. Those interested in participating in the program can view more information and download the application at southbendin.gov/curbsidewalkprogram or call 311.
