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On November 17, 1998, the City Council approved the Capital Construction Fund to be used for improvements to the City's existing infrastructure. One of the uses of this fund is for the Sidewalk Installation Program.

This program will be used to construct sidewalks on local and collector streets that have curb and gutter but are lacking sidewalks. There is sufficient funding to construct about two to three miles of sidewalks per year.

Benefits of Program

Sidewalks provide a separate, all-weather hard surface walkway along roads for pedestrians. Sidewalks contribute to safety by separating pedestrians from vehicles, especially on higher volume collector streets and streets near schools or other facilities that generate large numbers of pedestrians.

Prioritization Process

In order to ensure that these funds are being used effectively and efficiently, a prioritization system has been developed. This system favors streets in fully developed residential neighborhoods.

The prioritization factors are as follows:

• Street Classification (10 points)
  Collector streets (usually ½ mile streets) receive 10 points, local streets - 5 points, and all others receive no points.

• Available Right-of-Way (10 points)
  This is based on the percentage of available right-of-way along the proposed project. The property owner must donate needed right-of-way or the sidewalk cannot be installed.

• Developed Land Use (10 points)
  This factor is based on the land use of the adjoining properties. Residential properties receive full credit, all others receive ½ credit and vacant property receives no credit.

• Existing Obstructions (10 points)
  This is based on the percentage of area free of obstructions such as trees, landscaping, etc. that will conflict with the sidewalk installation.

• Neighborhood Revitalization (10 points)
  This factor is based on the level of neighborhood support. Petitions and/or letters from property owners supporting the project are examples of support.
  • Other Factors (10 points each)
    
  • Access to schools
  • Connects to bus routes
  • Access to parks
  • Access to other large traffic generators (churches, shopping malls, etc.)

Other Requirements

The candidate street segment must be a City owned and maintained local or collector street. Private streets, which are maintained by the adjacent residents or homeowner associations, are not eligible for this program.

How to Apply for Sidewalk Installation

Interested property owners or citizen groups can submit their request in writing to:

City of Phoenix
Street Transportation Department
Programming and Street Lighting Section
200 W. Washington St, Fifth Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85003-1611
(602) 262-6284

The request should state the street segment and limits. In order to obtain a higher prioritization score, a petition signed by all abutting property owners stating that they support the installation of sidewalks should be submitted also.

If right-of-way is needed, a signed petition or letter from the property owner(s) stating that they will donate the right-of-way can increase the prioritization score. Our staff can assist property owners to determine if right-of-way is needed.

If obstructions exist, a signed petition or letter from the property owner(s) stating that the obstructions will be removed by the property owner can increase the prioritization score.

Property owners must also be aware that any items such as fencing, landscaping, etc. that conflict with the proposed sidewalk will need to be removed or relocated.

Approval Process and Timeline

Each request for sidewalk installation is rated according to the prioritization system and the top rated projects in each Council District are recommended to the City Council for funding each year. Once the project is approved, usually in the fall of each year, an engineer is hired to draw up construction plans.

These plans can take from six to ten months to prepare, depending on the complexity of the project. After the plans are completed, construction usually begins within two to three months. These projects can take from two to four months to complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will there be any cost to me for these improvements?
No. These improvements will be done at no cost to the property owner.

Will my property taxes increase due to these improvements?
Property taxes will not increase directly due the installation of sidewalks in the City right-of-way.

Will I be paid for right-of-way that the City needs to do these improvements?
No. Right-of-way is by donation only and construction of improvements cannot start until all of the necessary right-of-way is secure. Normally, the value of the improvements greatly exceeds the value of the donated right-of-way.

What happens to fences, landscaping, and mailboxes that are in the way of the street improvements?
Fences will need to be relocated to behind the sidewalk and we would prefer that the property owner do this. Landscaping will have to be removed and/or relocated and again we prefer that the property owner do this. Any landscaping and turf areas that are disturbed by the sidewalk construction will be restored by the contractor at no cost to the property owner. We can work with the property owners on a case by case basis for fence and landscaping relocations. Mailboxes will be relocated by the contractor at no cost to the property owner.

If you need additional information or have any questions, please contact:

City of Phoenix
Street Transportation Department
Programming and Street Lighting Section
(602) 262-6284
E-mail: strlpds@ci.phoenix.az.us

THIS PUBLICATION CAN BE MADE AVAILABLE IN BRAILLE, LARGE PRINT, AUDIO TAPE, OR CASSETTE TAPE UPON REQUEST. CONTACT THE STREET TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT AT 602-262-6284 IF YOU WOULD LIKE ANY OF THESE SERVICES.
OUR TTY PHONE NUMBER IS 602-256-4286.