First Evaluate What is There

Do I have a tree on the sidewalk?

Sidewalk trees are the property of the City of Columbus. If your sidewalk tree is causing issues, call the City Forester at 614-645-6648!

An arborist from the Urban Forestry department will inspect your tree and determine whether it needs to be removed. The department will add you to the city tree removal list. If the timeline for the city removing the tree is not adequate to your needs, ask for the paperwork to pay to remove the tree yourself. The Urban Foresters, can recommend replacement trees that will grow without harming the sidewalk.

Want a tree on your sidewalk? Reach out to the Urban Forester at 614-645-6648

IS MY CURB IN GOOD CONDITION?

Great! Continue to monitor them and if you have any questions please reach to German Village Society with any questions. 614.221.8888 at german@germanvillage.com

Is your curb disintegrating or leaning into the street?

Call 311 and request a curb repair; the City of Columbus will reset or replace your sandstone curb. Not wanting to wait? Hire a reputable contractor to pursue sandstone from the city’s sandstone curb bank or purchase sandstone curbing from a private vendor. Find out more about the curb replacement and the process for refund click here. 

Hiring a private contractor to repair a curb does require additional permitting. See Hire Contractor below

Is it a Brick Sidewalk?

Per the German Village Guidelines, brick sidewalks cannot be converted to concrete.

Consider switching to brick! You are allowed to maintain your concrete sidewalk per the German Village Guidelines. However, converting from concrete to brick is highly encouraged.

Get the job done!

We understand the importance of choosing a qualified professionals and have created a list of pointers to help you find the right contractor for your home improvement projects.  See How to Choose the Right Contractor.   

Every sidewalk project requires a Certificate of Appropriateness.  In-kind replacement and repairs are staff approval items, which means the Columbus Historic Preservation office will mail you your approval in approx. 7-10 business days.  Material replacement or design changes require Commission review but are generally viewed favorably when converting from concrete to brick. For a complete application visit www.columbus.gov/planning/gvc. 

Include clear photographs of your sidewalk, state what brick pattern you are using, and if you are switching from concrete to brick. 

905 New of Replacement Sidewalk & Driveway Approach Construction Permit – Cost $135

Sidewalk Incentive Application

This initiative is designed to provide financial assistance to homeowners embarking on sidewalk repairs. While many German Village sidewalks are in excellent condition, others pose safety and accessibility challenges. Here is a brief overview of the program:

 

    • Both members and non-members of the German Village Society can apply. Renters are encouraged to share information about the program with their landlords who can then apply.

    • The repairs made must comply with design guidelines and require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the German Village Commission.

    • Applicants are eligible for an award of $700 for brick-to-brick repairs or $1,000 for concrete-to-brick conversion.

    • All applications submitted are subject to review by a volunteer-led Brick Sidewalks Grant Committee.

    • Location, pedestrian traffic, and degree of deterioration will determine the applicant’s eligibility to receive sidewalk repair funding.

 
Apply Here