Where does the Sidewalk Program construct sidewalk?

The Sidewalk Program retrofits sidewalks in areas of the City where streets are already built, but sidewalks were never installed.  A number of other City programs construct sidewalk also, including the Neighborhood Improvement Program, state and local roadway projects and with new development through subdivision and zoning requirements.

How does the new Sidewalk Retrofit Policy work?

There are four categories (tiers) of sidewalk ranking under the Retrofit Policy.  The tiers are primarily based on the traffic volume of each street.  The higher the traffic volume, the greater the need to separate pedestrians from vehicular travel.  The categories are as follows: 

• Tier 1: Thoroughfares
• Tier 2: Locals and Collectors with traffic volumes greater than 3000
• Tier 3: Locals and Collectors near a park or school and with traffic volumes between 1000 and 3000
• Tier 4: Locals and Collectors with traffic volumes less than 3000. 

Sidewalk needs are identified by City staff and by residents depending on the category where the sidewalk request would fall.  Sidewalks in Tiers 1, 2 and 3 are identified by the staff.  Tiers 1 and 2 are primarily higher volume roads where there is a need for sidewalks to separate pedestrians from higher volume traffic (and speeds).  Tier 3 identifies sidewalk needs in areas that are near schools and parks.  Though a resident can contact staff about any location lacking sidewalks, there are certain locations where residents will have to submit a nomination form and petition to get a sidewalk request on the sidewalk list.  This is Tier 4.   

How can I get a request on the sidewalk list?

Residents can contact the City of Charlotte at 704-336-3893 to find out if a sidewalk has already been identified or requested on a certain street.  For those streets where a sidewalk has not been identified or requested, a resident can download the nomination form from the City's website. 

A sidewalk will be ranked by the City when a valid nomination form is submitted which contains the signatures of at least 25% of property owners or tenants on both sides of the street.  CDOT will build sidewalks along street sections with the highest rating as funding becomes available.  Additionally, as a project nears the top of the ranking list, CDOT will hold a public information meeting to provide residents with information about the project and to receive their input.  In addition, CDOT will ask adjacent residents to provide feedback regarding design concerns.  City staff will determine the best side of the street for sidewalk installation based on design consideration and neighborhood input.  After the public meeting is held, a second assessment of neighborhood support for the project will be conducted requiring a petition with property owner signatures of at least 60% of both sides of the street.