As San Diego’s Safe Sidewalks Program nears its one-year mark, it is set to reach a significant milestone, with nearly 100 sidewalk repair projects approved throughout the city.
Launched in response to state laws that make property owners responsible for maintaining some sidewalks adjacent to their homes, the program aims to reduce the financial burden on residents while enhancing pedestrian safety, city officials said.
Under the program, permit fees that previously cost property owners more than $2,100 per project are waived and a streamlined self-certification process allows repairs to be completed more quickly.
“The Safe Sidewalks Program is a game-changer that will help us get more sidewalks fixed,” Mayor Todd Gloria said. “By eliminating fees and streamlining the process, we’re making it easier to repair damaged sidewalks in front of private properties.”
“Coupled with all the work the city is doing to improve sidewalks in the public right of way, this program will make pedestrians safer and improve their experience across all of our neighborhoods,” he said.
Over the past decade, the average claim for sidewalk-related injuries in San Diego has reached $46,000, making the issue both a public safety and financial concern, officials said.
Last year, the city identified around 5,000 locations in need of repair and began notifying property owners of their responsibility.
For more information about the Safe Sidewalks Program, go to sandiego.gov/safesidewalks.
