CITY OF FERNDALE SERVICES:
Sidewalks
Sidewalks are an important part of Ferndale’s transportation network and help provide safe, walkable access throughout the community. The City manages a recurring Sidewalk Replacement Program to inspect sidewalks by district, identify safety issues, and coordinate replacement work through a Special Assessment District process. The City also maintains certain shared public sidewalk infrastructure, including ADA ramps at corner properties and sidewalks adjacent to City-owned properties.
CONTACT
Department of Public Works
Ferndale Public Works 521 E. Cambourne Ferndale, MI 48220
248-546-2519
dpwservice@ferndalemi.gov
Sidewalk Maintenance and Responsibility
Property owners are responsible for maintaining sidewalks adjacent to their property in a safe and passable condition. Common issues include cracked or uneven concrete, trip hazards, holes, pitting, drainage issues, scaling, and other deterioration.
If a sidewalk is determined to be hazardous outside of the regular Sidewalk Replacement Program, the City may issue a notice requiring the property owner to complete repairs, typically within 30 days.
Sidewalk Inspection and Replacement Program
Ferndale is divided into ten sidewalk districts. Sidewalks are inspected by district on a recurring cycle to identify sidewalk flags that are broken, deteriorated, or otherwise non-compliant.
The district-based program allows the City to coordinate repairs efficiently, minimize construction disruption, and achieve better pricing through a larger construction contract.
Property owners are notified if sidewalk replacement is required adjacent to their property. Replacement work is completed through the City’s Sidewalk Replacement Program and funded through a Special Assessment District, with costs assessed to the benefiting property owner.
The City pays for ADA ramps at corner properties and sidewalks adjacent to City-owned property because these improvements serve a broader community access and accessibility function.
Repair Process Outside of the Program
Sidewalk repairs outside of the district-based replacement program are typically complaint-driven. If DPW inspects a reported sidewalk issue and determines that repair is required, the adjacent property owner may receive a notice requiring correction.
Property owners arranging their own sidewalk repairs must contact the Building Department to obtain the required permit. They must also contact DPW to schedule pre-pour and post-pour inspections.
Residents planning to complete the work themselves should contact DPW before beginning. Sidewalk replacement must meet City standards, and work may be rejected if it does not meet requirements.
Patching or grinding is generally not accepted as an alternative when a sidewalk has been damaged beyond repair or has been identified as a safety hazard requiring replacement.
Snow on Ice and Sidewalks
Property owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to their property. Snow that accumulates overnight must be removed by 12:00 p.m. Snow that falls or drifts during the day must be removed before noon the following day.
Ice must be removed when practicable. If immediate removal is not possible, the sidewalk must be treated with sand, salt, or another approved material to prevent slippery or dangerous conditions.
If snow or ice is not removed, the City may issue a notice of violation. If the issue is not corrected, the City may arrange to have the sidewalk cleared and bill the property owner for the cost of the work, plus applicable administrative charges.
Report a Sidewalk Issue
Residents may report damaged or hazardous sidewalks by calling the DPW front desk or submitting a request through SeeClickFix.
DPW reviews reported sidewalk issues and determines whether repair or replacement is required. Some repairs may be addressed through the regular Sidewalk Replacement Program, while urgent or complaint-driven issues may result in a separate repair notice.