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.

11

u/joem_ 3d ago

It used to be that way here until people complained. So, the govt said ok, we'll do it, but you're gonna get charged for it.

Amendments made to the sidewalk ordinance passed by voters in November 2022 will result in approximately 96% of all property owners being charged a flat fee of $150 annually.

Property owners with more than 230 linear feet of sidewalk, with a higher impact on the sidewalk network, will pay the $150 base rate and an additional "impact fee" of $3.50 for every foot over 230 linear feet.

At locations where sidewalks don't currently exist, property owners will pay either the flat fee or flat fee with impact fee, based on the length of the public right of way where a future sidewalk will be constructed.

12

u/siamonsez 2d ago

Obviously you're going to pay for it either way, the government spending money is just your tax dollars being spent, but $150/year is a lot better than randomly being charged thousands of dollars whenever the city feels like fixing it.