+ Am I eligible to participate?

All property owners with non-vaulted sidewalks are eligible to participate. Custom sidewalks (e.g.,granite, colored, custom designs, etc.), vaulted sidewalks, water meter vaults, stairs located within the city right-of-way, and private property sidewalks are not eligible to be included in the program.

+ What information is required to receive the senior citizen or persons with disabilities rate?

Seniors age 65 or older must provide proof of age, ownership, and occupancy:

• Ownership: tax bill (2nd installment) or title deed
• Age: birth certificate or driver’s license or 2nd installment tax bill showing senior exemption
• Occupancy: voter’s card or utility bill

Persons with disabilities must provide proof of ownership, occupancy, and disability:

• Ownership: tax bill (2nd installment) or title deed
• Occupancy: voter’s card or utility bill
• Disability: Must provide one of the following: Disability benefits received from Social Security Administration, Veterans Administration, Civil Service, or Railroad Retirement OR Class 2 disability card from the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office

To be eligible for the discount, all documents submitted must match the participating address

Documentation verifying the senior citizen or persons with disabilities rate must be submitted as follows:

• Fax to (312) 744-6438, ATTN: Shared Cost Sidewalk Program
• Email to: cdotsharedcost@cityofchicago.org
• Mail to:

Shared Cost Sidewalk Program

Chicago Department of Transportation

2 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 820

Chicago, Illinois 60602

For any assistance with or questions regarding the senior citizen or persons with disabilities rate, please contact CDOT at 312-744-1746 or email us at cdotsharedcost@cityofchicago.org.

+ Will the driveway apron be replaced?

If your driveway crosses the sidewalk, the Shared Cost Sidewalk Program scope of work may include the sidewalk through the driveway and a small patch of the driveway alongside it. Abandoned driveway aprons no longer in use will be removed and replaced with topsoil and hydroseed. Removing abandoned driveway aprons and replacing them with topsoil and hydroseed will be paid for by the City.

Due to significant participant interest, the removal and replacement of permitted driveway aprons (the portion of driveway between the sidewalk and curb) can be added to the project. To find out the additional cost, please reach out to the Chicago Department of Transportation at cdotsharedcost@cityofchicago.org.

+ Will the area receive grass seed or sod?

The contractor will place topsoil and hydroseed down after the sidewalk has been replaced. It will be the property owner’s responsibility to water the seed if necessary. The contractor will not return to add more hydroseed if the first batch does not germinate. If you do not want the contractor to place hydroseed, you will need to contact CDOT at 312-744-1746 or cdotsharedcost@cityofchicago.org.

+ What if tree roots have impacted the sidewalk?

If necessary, the existing courtesy walk or landing step will be removed and replaced further away from the tree to help avoid future damage. If it is determined the courtesy walk or landing step cannot be either replaced in the current location or relocated, it will be replaced with topsoil and hydroseed. Removing courtesy walks or landing steps and replacing them with topsoil and hydroseed will be charged to you at the standard Shared Cost Sidewalk Program rate.

If a tree or its roots have impacted the main sidewalk, either root pruning will occur before placement of new sidewalk, or the sidewalk will be routed around the tree to allow for future tree growth. Determination will depend on the required arborist report and review done by the Bureau of Forestry. Due to this process, locations with impacting tree roots may delay construction.

+ What if there is a sprinkler system, private utility or heated sidewalk at the property?

The city is not responsible for any damage done to anything within, or under the sidewalk that is not considered a public utility. Property owners should notify the city of an existing sprinkler system to minimize any potential damage. To further avoid any potential damage to the sprinkler system, property owners are advised to cut and cap the lines and remove any sprinkler heads that may be damaged during the Shared Cost Sidewalk Program work.

+ What if there is a water meter vault within the public right-of-way?

Water meters and their vaults are the responsibility of the adjacent property owner. All water meter devices including vaults and surrounding sidewalk are to be maintained by and at the expense of the owner or consumer and therefore are not eligible for replacement under the Shared Cost Sidewalk Program.

+ Is there any warranty for the work?

Yes. Sidewalk construction has a warranty of one year from the date of construction, covering significant deterioration of the sidewalk. (Note: Some small cracks, especially in sidewalk joints, are common. Since they are not caused by construction, they are not covered by the warranty).

+ Is the bill final?

This bill is based on measurements and is considered final. If it is later determined that more work is needed, you will NOT be billed for that additional work. Furthermore, if the amount of work is reduced for any reason, your money will be refunded if the difference is $100 or greater.

Please contact CDOT at 312-744-1746 before sending your payment if you would like to request any changes to the scope of work represented on this bill.