Владельцы домов в Талсе могут нести ответственность за ремонт тротуаров под угрозой штрафов

Tulsa homeowners may be responsible for fixing sidewalks, investigation reveals details TULSA, Okla. — Many Tulsa homeowners may not realize they—not the city—are responsible for repairing the sidewalks in front of their homes. That's what Jeremy Walker discovered after finding a notice of violation posted on the door of his midtown Tulsa home. Walker told FOX23 Investigative Reporter Janna Clark he knew the sidewalk had been buckling because of a large tree, but he assumed the city would be responsible for fixing it. Instead, he received a violation notice saying the sidewalk had to be repaired within 14 days or he could face a fine of up to $1,200, imprisonment or both. "I was like, how is this my responsibility? I didn't understand," Walker explained. Walker said he repeatedly tried calling and emailing the city to get answers, but received no response for two days, leading him to go to City Hall in person. At City Hall, Walker said he was told the sidewalk damage was caused by the tree and that he would need to remove it. He said he was also told he could be responsible for replacing the entire stretch of sidewalk in front of his home instead of just the damaged section. Walker said he later learned he would also need a permit before making repairs. He said he was told the permit would cost $700 and could take 60 to 90 days to obtain, even though his violation gave him only 14 days to complete the work. FOX23 reviewed Tulsa city code and found sidewalks, walkways, stairs and driveways serving private property are generally the responsibility of the property owner to maintain and repair. The City of Tulsa declined FOX23's request for an on-camera interview, but answered questions by email. When asked how many sidewalk violations have been issued this year, the city said that information "would be difficult to identify." The city said the 14-day compliance period is a "standard timeline" intended to promote communication and that as long as officials can see a homeowner is working to address the problem, "that's all we ask for." The city also said that when the city adds new sidewalks during neighborhood projects, those sidewalks become the homeowner's responsibility to keep in good repair. Concerned about the deadline, Walker decided to replace the damaged sidewalk himself. He said he spent three days removing the old concrete, cutting tree roots, pouring a new sidewalk and shaping it around the tree to help prevent future damage. He estimated the project cost between $1,200 and $1,500. Walker said a city inspector later approved the work despite the lack of a permit. "I don't get that," Walker stated in response to homeowners being responsible for neighborhood sidewalks. "We pay the city." After FOX23 contacted city officials about neighbors' questions, one Tulsa homeowner who told FOX23 he had received a similar sidewalk violation said the city later rescinded that notice.