Sidewalk repairs must be completed at the time of title transfer or the permitting of a major renovation. This page provides answers to frequently asked questions for property owners, sellers, and buyers.

If your sidewalk requires repair, you will need to hire a licensed contractor permitted by the City to complete the repairs. After repairs are completed, the licensed contractor (or professional engineer or licensed architect) self-certifies that the work has been performed according to code and completes a Sidewalk Certificate of Compliance through the DOT Permit Counter. Note: You do not need to wait for a City inspection to receive your Sidewalk Certificate of Compliance.

If your sidewalk does not require repair, you will need a licensed contractor (or professional engineer or licensed architect) to self-certify that the sidewalk is in compliance and complete a Sidewalk Certificate of Compliance through the DOT Permit Counter. Again, you do not need to wait for a City inspection to receive your Certificate of Compliance.

If your property does not have a sidewalk,you can file for a no-fee Sidewalk Compliance Certificate Certificate of Compliance through the DOT Permit Counter. Bring along recent photos of the sidewalk zone. No need to hire a contractor.

Q. How do I know if my sidewalk requires repair?

Any crack, depression, or vertical offset of more than ¼ inch is considered a defect, according to the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.

Q. Which documents will I need to certify my sidewalk?

Any documents that support the representation made in your application including the inspection report, a detailed contractor’s invoice, and photographs of the sidewalk (before and after, as appropriate). Supporting documents will be scanned and added to the certification record in OakDOT’s permit database.