Now that the weather is warmer, the Jefferson Building Official and Code Enforcer is reminding residents about a cost-share program for a certain property improvement.

Building Official Chad Stevens says the city offers a sidewalk replacement program, where the city will reimburse a homeowner up to $5 per square foot of sidewalk that is replaced, but out to a five foot width instead of four feet. Stevens points out that if a homeowner is interested to contact him first, since the city will be involved.

“Kind of get some initial approval, I want to take a look at it and say, ‘’Okay, yeah this sidewalk is bad. It does meet the qualifications for the replacement.’ And then they can get some estimates and bring them back and take a look at them. I kind of like to look at it during the process while they;re tearing it out and putting the base in, and before they pour (the concrete for the new sidewalk). It’s kind of a partnership with the contractor, the homeowner, and the city.”  

Stevens believes that since he started as the building official and code enforcer, the City Council has almost tripled  the total amount for the sidewalk program.

“Sidewalk replacement is high on the Council’s priority list. So they’re putting their money where their mouth is by putting some money in the budget for that.” 

Stevens adds the city’s funding for the sidewalk replacement program is on a first come, first served basis. Contact City Hall at 515-386-3111 for more information.