Got a Sidewalk Repair Notice? Here Are Your Options.
For Upper Arlington and Columbus property owners: what the city expects, your deadline, who pays, and when leveling sunken panels is cheaper than letting the city do it and bill you.
Send a photo of your letter or call 614-350-2351 — we'll tell you honestly whether lifting or the city's repair costs less.
Free Leveling Estimate
3 quick steps — under 45 seconds
Step 1 of 3
Your Property
Licensed & insured Central Ohio contractors. No obligation, no spam.
Upper Arlington
About six months to fix flagged panels
- The owner next to the sidewalk is responsible for repairs (City Code 901.03).
- The City inspects one of five districts at a time and mails letters early in the year with an aerial photo showing which panels are yours to fix.
- Repairs are due within roughly six months. After that, the City does the work in its summer program and bills or assesses the cost to you.
- The City pays for damage from City-owned tree roots, utility valves or manholes, and curb ramps.
Sources: UA Sidewalks , UA Sidewalk FAQ (checked Oct 27, 2026).
Columbus
You're responsible — and leveling needs a permit
- The property owner is responsible for sidewalk repairs (Columbus City Code 905.06).
- No one may construct, repair or level a sidewalk in the public right-of-way without a sidewalk permit from the Division of Planning and Operations.
- Permits are applied for online; only the homeowner or a contractor licensed with the City of Columbus can apply.
- To report a sidewalk in poor condition, call 311 at (614) 645-3111.
Sources: Columbus Public Service FAQ , Chapter 905 rules , Right-of-way permits (checked Oct 27, 2026).
Lift It, Replace It, or Let the City Do It?
| Option | Cost | Best when |
|---|---|---|
| Foam leveling (us) | $750 – $2,200 per job | Several panels have sunk but are still sound; you want it done now, usable in about 15 minutes |
| City replaces it (Upper Arlington) | About $160–$190 per panel in recent programs | Only one or two panels are flagged and you're fine waiting for the summer program and a later bill |
| Private replacement | Varies by contractor | Panels are crumbling, badly cracked or pushed up by roots |
Upper Arlington per-panel figures: $160 / $175 (2020, from the City FAQ ) and $181 / $190 (2022 contract, reported by ThisWeek). Future prices may be higher or lower.
What should I do first after getting a notice?
Check the deadline and which panels are marked as yours. If a City tree root caused it, call the City first. Then get one honest quote and compare it with the city's per-panel price before your deadline.
Sidewalk Notice Questions
Other cities we serve (Dublin, Westerville, Hilliard, Grove City, Powell) set their own sidewalk rules — check with your city's engineering office. See also lift or replace sunken concrete.
Beat your sidewalk deadline without a tear-out
Call 614-350-2351 or send your address and the panels flagged in your letter.
Check My Sidewalk Options