As a property owner, in accordance with the Village Charter and Code of Ordinances, you are responsible for the maintenance and repair of the sidewalks abutting your property. The Village of Lake Orion Sidewalk Improvement Program provides for improved sidewalk conditions and increased pedestrian safety for all sidewalk users. The Village has created three (3) distinct Sidewalk Improvement Zones or districts to manage its sidewalk improvement program. Beginning with District #1 in 2025, the Village will commence a comprehensive, perpetual sidewalk improvement program that will require property owners to replace deficient sidewalks abutting their properties. The Village Council has adopted a Sidewalk Improvement Program Policy that sets forth the details of the program, the responsibilities of property owners and Village, and the deficient conditions that require sidewalk repair or replacement.
To facilitate sidewalk repairs, the Village will hire a contractor to handle the program district-wide and will specially assess all properties within each district for the cost of repairing or replacing deficient sidewalks abutting those properties. As a property owner, you are welcome to opt out of the Village's construction project and do the work on your own in compliance with Village pavement engineering design and construction standards at your own cost. If you do not opt out, you will be able to take advantage of the high volume competitive bid pricing in connection with the Village's special assessment project, with the Village's contractor completing your sidewalk repairs for you. Prior to undertaking any repair work, Village personnel will inspect the scheduled district, prepare a report with recommendations for repairs, and place paint marks on the sidewalk needing replacement.
The Village Council will hold two public hearings on each year's project and will provide notices by first class mail to affected property owners for each hearing. The first hearing will be to receive comments from affected property owners as to whether sidewalks abutting their properties are in need of repair and, if not, the reasons therefor. If Council determines that there is a need for the sidewalk improvements, Council will direct that a proposed special assessment roll be prepared and a second public hearing will be held to receive comments from affected property owners on the proposed special assessments against their properties for the repairs. Property owners wishing to complete the sidewalk repairs on their own rather than utilizing the Village's contractor may do so within the time specified in the special assessment public notice. Special assessments extending beyond the first billing will be assessed interest at 6% per annum on the unpaid balance.
Below are important documents regarding the Sidewalk Improvement Program.