Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does ACHD determine what sidewalks qualify for repair or replacement through the Safe Sidewalk Program?

A: ACHD uses established criteria for determining what sidewalk should be repaired or replaced. Sidewalk with a minimum of ¾ inch vertical or horizontal misalignment qualifies for repair or replacement under ACHD’s Safe Sidewalk Program.

Other considerations include:

• Sidewalk damaged by roots from a tree growing between the roadway and the sidewalk
• Sidewalk heaved by expansion and contraction
• Sidewalk sunken behind curb
• Sidewalk that has failed over a utility trench
• Sidewalk originally constructed in a half-moon shape around a tree to avoid protruding roots; once the tree has been removed, a void is left, creating a potential hazard

ACHD does not replace sidewalk based on aesthetics.

Q: When is a property owner responsible for repair of sidewalk in front of their house?

A: A property owner is responsible for sidewalk repair or replacement when roots from a tree growing on private property cause damage to the sidewalk or when sidewalk is damaged through property owner negligence. Sidewalk repair or replacement must be done by a contractor that is bonded with ACHD. Property owners should contact ACHD prior to any repair work. Property owners are encouraged to report questionable sidewalk to ACHD, as they can be liable for injuries resulting from damaged sidewalk.

Q: How do I submit a request for the sidewalk in front of my house to be inspected?

A: You may fill out an online inspection request form or print out a copy of the form and e-mail it or mail it to ACHD. Both forms are available under the “Related Documents” section of this page. Printed forms can be e-mailed it to sidewalks@achdidaho.org or mailed to ACHD, 3775 Adams St., Garden City, ID 83714. Please be sure to include your contact information.

Q: What happens once I submit a sidewalk inspection request?

A: Once a request is submitted to ACHD, an inspector will visit the location to evaluate the condition of the sidewalk. If it meets ACHD’s criteria for replacement or repair, it will be added to ACHD’s Safe Sidewalk repair list and the property owner will be notified regarding the outcome. If applicable, a general timeframe of when the work may occur will be provided.

Q: What options does a property owner have if their sidewalk is determined by ACHD as needing repair or replacement, but they wish to fix it ahead of ACHD’s repair schedule?

A: If sidewalk meets ACHD’s sidewalk criteria for repair or replacement and a property owner chooses to repair the sidewalk ahead of ACHD’s anticipated Safe Sidewalk replacement schedule, ACHD may reimburse 25 percent of the cost; however this is limited by available resources. An ACHD staff person will work with the property owner regarding the requirements of the sidewalk repair by mutual consent process. Work must be completed by a contractor that is bonded with ACHD.

Q: How are sidewalks in need of repair prioritized through ACHD’s Safe Sidewalks Program?

A: Each year, ACHD designates money for sidewalk repairs with funds varying each year, typically resulting in two large repair contracts per year. Sidewalk locations are prioritized by severity of condition, however location is also a significant factor— sidewalk repairs are bundled by geographic location to maximize available funding. Due to the volume of sidewalk in need of repair, ACHD is limited as to how many locations it can improve each year.

Title VI Based Complaints
Complaints may be filed by any person who believes that he or she has been excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to discrimination under any Ada County Highway District (ACHD) service, program or activity, and believes the discrimination is based upon race, color, national origin, gender, disability or age. For more information about filing a TitleVI/ADA complaint, click here.

2011 Safe Sidewalk Repairs

This year, ACHD will spend $200,000 in hazardous sidewalk repairs within a 20-block area in North Boise. The work began in June, 2011. Sections for repair vary in size.

Possible Impacts During Sidewalk Construction

Work will occur at multiple locations at once during weekday, daytime hours. Impacts to on-street parking and temporary access restrictions to driveways may be necessary during the work. The contractor will work with individual property owners if temporary access restrictions become necessary.

Construction impacts may also include jack hammering to remove existing concrete, general construction noise and large trucks and equipment. Once the concrete is placed, ACHD asks that the new sidewalk not be used for at least four days to allow the concrete time to cure. Sidewalk detours will be in place during construction.