Sidewalks & Steps in Norman, OK

Sidewalks and steps in Norman fall into two groups, and the difference matters. The sidewalk along the street is public, but the City of Norman puts its upkeep on the homeowner. The walk from the driveway to the door, side paths and the steps up to the porch are private. We build and repair both, and the estimate keeps them separate.

The public sidewalk in front of your house

The city's 2023 Sidewalk Program and Policy says repair and replacement of residential sidewalks is the responsibility of the property owner next to them. It lists what counts as a hazard:

• Heaving or buckling panels that create a trip of more than a quarter inch
• Significant spalling (flaking and breaking at the surface)
• Gaps where the sidewalk is discontinuous
• Vegetation growing in joints, or overgrowth that blocks clearance

If the city sends a Hazard Notice, the owner has 30 days to fix it. If the work is not done, the policy allows the city to make the repair and charge the cost to the property.

A city sidewalk permit is required for all sidewalk construction, and permit fees are waived for sidewalk and curb repairs. When you hire a contractor yourself, the contractor applies for an offsite construction permit, and the work has to meet ADA accessibility guidelines and the city's construction standards.

The 50/50 Program

The Sidewalk and Curb Replacement Participation Program, which the city calls the 50/50 Program, can cover up to half the cost of replacing a residential sidewalk. Funding is limited and goes out first come, first served, and the owner is still responsible for the repair if the money runs out. Contact the city's Action Center at 405-366-5396 to ask about the program before work starts. We can give you a written estimate to use with your application.

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Private walks and paths

Front walks, side yard paths and walks to a back gate are usually 4 to 6 inches thick, according to HomeGuide's sidewalk guide. We build them on compacted stone, slope them slightly so water runs off, and cut joints at regular spacing. Where a big tree has lifted the old walk, we look at whether to reroute the path, bridge the roots or remove them, and talk it through with you before anything is cut.

Concrete steps

Front stoops and porch steps take a beating from clay movement because they sit right against the foundation. A stoop that has pulled away from the house or tilted is common on older Norman homes. We break out the old steps, set a firm base, form the risers and treads at even heights, and add reinforcing steel. We pour with a broom texture for grip and can leave space for a railing.

What we check on older blocks

In the Miller and Chautauqua historic districts, homes date to between 1903 and 1935 according to Wikipedia, and many walks and steps are original or close to it. We match widths and finishes to the street where we can and handle mature tree roots carefully.