The problem: Your sidewalk is crumbling and you want to get it fixed. What do you do next?
If you live in the city of Cleveland, getting help making sidewalk repairs can be confusing. That’s because property owners are responsible for maintaining the sidewalks in front of their properties, and those repairs can be expensive. But the city has a program to help.
Did you know the city has its own Bureau of Sidewalks?
The bureau manages the maintenance of Cleveland’s public sidewalks. Inspectors issue citations and violation notifications to property owners with damaged sidewalks noting “non-compliant” sidewalks and curbs.
What makes a sidewalk non-compliant?
Issues that can make a sidewalk non-compliant include:
- vertical displacement, which means a sidewalk slab is not level with another and has a bump of ½ inch or more;
- a crack wider than ¼ inch;
- sloping;
- water pooling of ¼ inch or more;
- and general deterioration.
What is the Cleveland sidewalk repair program?
Residents can apply to the city’s 50/50 sidewalk repair program. If funds are available and the repairs meet eligibility requirements, the city will pay half of the sidewalk repair costs.
Important note: The funds are first come, first served. Once they run out, the city suspends the program for the year. Those who do not receive money for repairs in 2026 will be prioritized in 2027. Residents can still continue to apply for the 50/50 program, even when the program is frozen.
Can businesses apply for the sidewalk repair program?
Churches and other small businesses are eligible to apply, with the exception of these types of property owners:
- Apartments
- Manufacturing
- Warehouse
- Industrial
- Strip shopping plazas
- Arcades/malls
- Greenhouses
- New construction
How much 50/50 money is available for 2026?
The program is budgeted for $750,000 this year – which is more than double the amount allocated in past years ($350,000 in 2025 and $300,000 in both 2024 and 2023). Given high demand, the city doubled the amount this year, said Tyler Sinclair, a spokesperson for the City of Cleveland.
That’s part of “our commitment to improving infrastructure in the city,” Sinclair said.
What happens if a homeowner can’t afford to pay?
If the homeowner does not pay for the repairs, the city can still do the repairs and bill the owner – plus a penalty of 15% for failing to comply. A resident’s portion may also be paid by a third party such as a housing nonprofit or a community development corporation. Deciding not to have repairs completed through the 50/50 program does not relieve the property owner of making the repairs.
How can residents apply for the 50/50 program?
Those who are interested in the program should contact the Mayor’s Office of Capital Projects (MOCAP) to request an estimate. They can call 216-664-2575 or swing by City Hall during normal business hours to get more information. MOCAP’s office is located on the 5th floor.
A city inspector will visit the property and assess the sidewalk. The inspector will take photos of the damage and prepare a cost estimate.
How many people have enrolled in the program this year? How many repairs have been made since the program’s inception?
The program was put in place in 2005 and was most recently updated in 2023. Currently, 80 applicants have requested estimates for the program this year. About half of those have decided to move forward and are in the process of coordinating that work.
There were 32 locations completed in 2023, 63 locations completed in 2024 and 70 locations completed in 2025.
How much does it cost to repair a sidewalk?
The cost for sidewalk repairs can range widely from a few hundred dollars to thousands depending on what work needs to be done. Based on recent repair budgets and the number of projects completed, average costs seem to range from $5,000-10,000 per sidewalk project.
How long does it take?
Work typically begins eight to 12 weeks after the city receives the residents’ portion of funds. It may take longer if there is a backlog of work.
