Chicago's Shared Cost Sidewalk Program Opens Jan. 8

CHICAGO, IL -- If the sidewalk in front of your house has enough cracks to break your mother's -- and your own back, then you may want to consider applying for the city's Shared Cost Sidewalk Program. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities may qualify to receive a 50 percent discount.

This extremely popular voluntary program enables property owners to share the cost of sidewalk repair with the city. Thousands of Chicagoans down through the years have taken advantage of the low cost, exceptional value and flexibility.

The Shared Cost Sidewalk Program cost per square foot charged to property owners is well below what a private contractor would charge. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities may qualify for a further discounted rate.

Starting at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8, applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. This service is in high demand and has limited funding so apply early. In past years the program closed in 12 hours.

Applications will only be accepted through the city's 311 system or the city's service request website.

• When applying, be sure to specify that you want to participate in the Shared Cost Sidewalk Program
• If you currently do not have a courtesy walk or landing step and would like one installed, this should be mentioned at the time of request. Installation is subject to engineering recommendation.
• If you are interested in removal and replacement of the driveway apron, this should be mentioned at the time of request.
• You must give the property owner's complete name, a contact phone number, email address if available, and the property's complete address.

Please note that Shared Cost Sidewalk Program applications that are missing any of this requested information may not be processed. Once the program budget amount is met, the program will close for the year. If you applied for the program last year, you need to apply again in 2019. The 19th Ward service office cannot process applications.

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