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1. Who determines whether my sidewalk qualifies for cost-shared repairs?

To determine qualification, applicants should schedule an inspection with City of Allen by calling 214.509.4500 or send a sidewalk service request using MyAllen (see current sidewalk fees). The sidewalk must be owner-occupied.

2. What if my sidewalk does not qualify for cost-shared repairs?

Applicants who do not qualify for cost-shared sidewalk repair may hire their own contractor. The contractor must first obtain a construction permit from the permitting office at Allen City Hall (first floor) or by calling 214.509.4129. Utility lines also must be marked prior to construction.

The location and width of the residential sidewalk must remain the same unless otherwise approved by the City. Existing sidewalks cannot be removed or replaced.

3. My sidewalk qualifies for shared cost by the City. What happens next?

If a sidewalk qualifies for replacement, the property owner will receive a construction contract from City of Allen detailing the repair. The owner must sign and return the contract with payment of their total share of costs before the work is scheduled. Work is scheduled in the sequence the contracts and payments are received. Repairs are completed as quickly as possible. The work is performed by City workers or a City-hired contractor.

City of Allen performs quality control on all repairs. Any issues with repairs or incidental impacts on private property must be referred to the City for resolution.

4. My sidewalk qualifies for shared cost, but I prefer to hire my own contractor. What next?

If a sidewalk qualifies for cost-shared repair, but the applicant prefers to contract the work at their personal expense, they may do so. However, they must first obtain a construction permit from the permitting office at Allen City Hall (first floor) or by calling 214.509.4129. Utility lines also must be marked prior to construction.

The location and width of the residential sidewalk must remain the same unless otherwise approved by the City. Existing sidewalks cannot be removed or replaced.

5. How does the City determine which contractor to use for cost-shared sidewalk repairs?

The City chooses the most competitively bid construction price for sidewalk repair services, and the City pays half this cost. There is no markup charged to the property owner. Bid prices offered by contractors generally are lower for the City organization than would be offered to an individual homeowner bidding for sidewalk repair.