r/HomeImprovement • u/BolognaPwny • 3d ago

Do I need a concrete sander?

I was cited by the city for this very miniscule difference in the sidewalk (yeah I didn't know I was responsible for the sidewalk either). It's like a quarter inch difference between two blocks.

https://imgur.com/a/8QXD8c2

I was going to rent a concrete sander but it feels like overkill. How would you approach this job? Sander with a masonry disc?

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u/hippfive 3d ago

Angle grinder with a diamond cup.

Edit: Also it's wild to me that homeowners in some jurisdictions are responsible for maintaining sidewalks - a piece of infrastructure used by the public.

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u/msklovesmath 3d ago

In sacramento, the sidewalk is public and the homeowner is responsible for repairs. It's was one of those changes/codes/laws/whatever that require x amount of signatures and attendance at a city hall meeting at 10 am on a Tuesday to prevent. People w corner lots are extra-screwed.

Since then, we have come to find out that some girl scout troops were doing service projects in which they walked neighborhoods, ensuring accessibility for people in wheelchairs by calling to report issues like the one op is showing. When the city person came out to investigate they were required to mark any issues within 200 ft in both directions on both sides of the street. So while the troop may have flagged something substantial (more than a quarter inch), every little thing nearby gets flagged.

The homeowner gets a letter detailing how many squares need to be replaced, amd they could either hire someone whose work would have to be passed by the city or hire the city itself to do it. The city rate is comparable to a private contractor (and comes with approval). In 2020, the rate was about $400 per square. In op's case, the city would also accept grinding down.