FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The City of Fayetteville is working hard to identify ways to close the gaps in the connectivity of our transportation networks. This includes our sidewalks. Crews work year-round to add new segments and keep existing walks in repair to complete safe routes around town. The residents of Fayetteville rely on unobstructed sidewalks for their travels. We are asking all residents to think of their neighbors and friends and help us keep the city in tip-top shape. In an effort to keep our sidewalks free from debris and overgrown shrubs and trees, the City recently revised its ordinance to clarify the responsibility of property owners and residents to remove obstructions from sidewalks. At this time of year, obstructions are primarily debris and overgrowth, but can also include basketball goals, trash receptacles, and vehicles.
Ordinance 6045 was revised by the City Council in early March to clarify “Duty of Property Owner and Occupant to Keep Sidewalks Free from Obstruction,” and to:
- describe the process by which the city will notify residents and property owners of obstructions (to include residential and business property owners);
- identify a timeline for the removal of the obstructions; and
- notify the public that property owners who do not remove the obstruction within the appropriate time specified will be billed by the city for the work necessary to remove the obstruction.
The ordinance was signed March 6 and therefore took effect April 7. There is a 30-day grace period in effect until May 7. On May 7, if complaints are filed by residents, properties will be inspected by a Code Compliance officer. If a violation of sidewalk obstruction exists, the resident of the property will be notified via a courtesy notice (red tag on the door of the property) and a certified letter will be sent to the property owner. Upon receipt of the certified letter, the property owner will have 10 days to remove the obstruction. If the property owner does not remove the obstruction, the obstruction will be cleared and the property owner will be billed for this work.
Residents can file a complaint of sidewalk obstruction either online (choose “Sidewalk Obstruction” from the drop-down list) or via telephone to Code Compliance at 575-8260. Thanks to everyone for helping keep our sidewalks clear!
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