Contact Information
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Street Address: 513 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
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Mailing Address: PO Box 660854, 35266-0854
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Fax: 978-0122 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Sidewalks
CITY OF VESTAVIA HILLS
SIDEWALK PROJECT
Sidewalk Planning
- How can I know if the sidewalk is coming to my neighborhood?
If sidewalks are planned for your neighborhood, notices will be sent prior to the beginning of construction. The first notice will tell you about a Public Forum that you may attend to ask questions and to review the preliminary design for the sidewalk. If the sidewalk is coming to your area, another notice will be sent out (possibly delivered by hand) to let you know that construction will begin soon (typically the notice will say two weeks).
Another way you can find out about the sidewalk plans is to view the Sidewalk Master Plan. Currently this plan is located at the City Hall and is not available in print or online. We are making efforts to make an online version available in the near future.
- What should I do if the sidewalk will come near my property?
It is very important that you notify the City of Vestavia Hills before construction begins at your location if there are any concerns. It is your responsibility to ensure the City is aware of any potential complications for construction at your property. Examples of such situations are:
- Sprinkler and irrigation systems
- Mailboxes or structures that will need to be either moved or worked around
- Lampposts or other fixtures connected with electrical wiring, gas line, water supply, etc.
- Landscaping or driveway construction plans that affect the area where the sidewalk will go
- Any other concern that you think may affect sidewalk construction or that you are concerned may cause property damage
- How can I know when the sidewalk will be constructed in my area?
Early in the design stage, notices are sent to area residents as an invitation to a Public Forum that will introduce the scope of the project. After design plans are completed and prior to construction, a second Public Forum will be held to discuss more specific details and timeframes. A third notice will be sent approximately two weeks prior to construction.
- How can I see a map of the sidewalk plans?
Currently the map is located at the City Hall and is not available in print or online. We are making efforts to make an online version available in the near future.
- What is the timeline for the sidewalk project? What if my neighborhood is in a 2nd or 3rd Priority area?
In July 2008, the 1st Priority phase of the sidewalk project neared completion. Some project scheduling for this phase has had to be extended, so we cannot give a definite timeline for when construction will begin in 2nd or 3rd Priority areas. If your neighborhood is in a 2nd or 3rd Priority phase area, it has yet to be determined which side of the road the sidewalk will be on.
Sidewalk Construction and Private Property
- What if I have a lawn sprinkler or irrigation system installed in the path of the sidewalk?
The contractor needs to be made aware of the presence and location of the irrigation system. It is very important that you contact the City at 978-0100 prior to construction.
- If I want to keep my trees that are in the path of the sidewalk, do I have to give special instructions about my trees or shrubbery?
If you wish to keep a tree that is located in the path of the sidewalk, you must notify the City prior to construction. You may contact Melissa Hipp at 978-0100. If there is no notice that a planting is to be kept by the homeowner, it is possible that it may be disposed of during construction. In some cases, property owners have granted the City easements so that the sidewalk may go around existing trees and structures.
- What sodding will be put in place of that removed for sidewalk construction? Will it match what is in my yard presently?
Efforts are being made to match the existing sod at the property when possible. If you plan to install a sod different from what is present during the construction period, it is advisable to notify the City.
- How much does the sidewalk construction “get into” my yard?
In general, there is about 2 ft between the outer edge of the sidewalk and the edge of the road. From the outer (curbside) edge to the inner edge of the sidewalk is about 5ft, so unless plans are made to go around a structure in the construction path, the sidewalk will typically go about 7ft from the edge of the road. However, if you have specific concerns about how far the sidewalk will go, it is advisable to contact the City prior to construction.
- If I wish to plant trees or install a structure in my yard but I am on the schedule for future sidewalks, where can I safely plant so that the trees will not have to be dug up for sidewalk construction later?
First, consult any survey or documentation you might have that depicts specifically the locations of your property lines. You may be able to locate physical markers, such as an iron rod, that marks your property corners. If you do not have documents showing the extent of the City’s right of way near your property, contact an area surveyor, or you may contact the City Clerk’s office to look at a tax map that will show the width of the City’s right-of-way. Right of ways, while enjoyed and maintained by property owners, are for City and utility use. Plantings and structures located there may have to be moved if work is to be done within the right of way. It is also advisable that you are aware of easements on your property. While the sidewalk project is being constructed in the City’s right of way, other work which may affect your plantings / property may be done in easements.
Sidewalk Communications and Notices
- I have special concerns (e.g. landscaping rocks or timbers I would like to keep) that I would want to be sure contractors pay attention to. What is the best way I can communicate this?
Call the City at 978-0100. You may leave your information with Melissa Hipp, who will inform Christopher Brady, the City Engineer. Some residents in active construction areas may receive a call from the City to ask if there are concerns. However, it is the resident’s responsibility to inform the City if there are any concerns that may affect construction or that pose potential for property damage.
- Will there be any more meetings about the sidewalk project?
Public Forums will be held for areas in which construction will begin soon.
Eastwood Sidewalk Project Public Forum - August 27, 2009 5:00-6:30pm City Hall Public Notice: Eastwood
- I would like to talk with the City Engineer about the sidewalk project and my property. Can I stop by the City Hall?
It is highly recommended that an appointment be made if you would like to see the City Engineer. You can call 978-0100 or email Christopher Brady at city.engineer@ci.vestaviahills.al.us
Contact Information
|
Street Address: 513 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
|
|
Mailing Address: PO Box 660854, 35266-0854
|
Fax: 978-0122 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Sidewalks
CITY OF VESTAVIA HILLS
SIDEWALK PROJECT
Sidewalk Planning
- How can I know if the sidewalk is coming to my neighborhood?
If sidewalks are planned for your neighborhood, notices will be sent prior to the beginning of construction. The first notice will tell you about a Public Forum that you may attend to ask questions and to review the preliminary design for the sidewalk. If the sidewalk is coming to your area, another notice will be sent out (possibly delivered by hand) to let you know that construction will begin soon (typically the notice will say two weeks).
Another way you can find out about the sidewalk plans is to view the Sidewalk Master Plan. Currently this plan is located at the City Hall and is not available in print or online. We are making efforts to make an online version available in the near future.
- What should I do if the sidewalk will come near my property?
It is very important that you notify the City of Vestavia Hills before construction begins at your location if there are any concerns. It is your responsibility to ensure the City is aware of any potential complications for construction at your property. Examples of such situations are:
- Sprinkler and irrigation systems
- Mailboxes or structures that will need to be either moved or worked around
- Lampposts or other fixtures connected with electrical wiring, gas line, water supply, etc.
- Landscaping or driveway construction plans that affect the area where the sidewalk will go
- Any other concern that you think may affect sidewalk construction or that you are concerned may cause property damage
- How can I know when the sidewalk will be constructed in my area?
Early in the design stage, notices are sent to area residents as an invitation to a Public Forum that will introduce the scope of the project. After design plans are completed and prior to construction, a second Public Forum will be held to discuss more specific details and timeframes. A third notice will be sent approximately two weeks prior to construction.
- How can I see a map of the sidewalk plans?
Currently the map is located at the City Hall and is not available in print or online. We are making efforts to make an online version available in the near future.
- What is the timeline for the sidewalk project? What if my neighborhood is in a 2nd or 3rd Priority area?
In July 2008, the 1st Priority phase of the sidewalk project neared completion. Some project scheduling for this phase has had to be extended, so we cannot give a definite timeline for when construction will begin in 2nd or 3rd Priority areas. If your neighborhood is in a 2nd or 3rd Priority phase area, it has yet to be determined which side of the road the sidewalk will be on.
Sidewalk Construction and Private Property
- What if I have a lawn sprinkler or irrigation system installed in the path of the sidewalk?
The contractor needs to be made aware of the presence and location of the irrigation system. It is very important that you contact the City at 978-0100 prior to construction.
- If I want to keep my trees that are in the path of the sidewalk, do I have to give special instructions about my trees or shrubbery?
If you wish to keep a tree that is located in the path of the sidewalk, you must notify the City prior to construction. You may contact Melissa Hipp at 978-0100. If there is no notice that a planting is to be kept by the homeowner, it is possible that it may be disposed of during construction. In some cases, property owners have granted the City easements so that the sidewalk may go around existing trees and structures.
- What sodding will be put in place of that removed for sidewalk construction? Will it match what is in my yard presently?
Efforts are being made to match the existing sod at the property when possible. If you plan to install a sod different from what is present during the construction period, it is advisable to notify the City.
- How much does the sidewalk construction “get into” my yard?
In general, there is about 2 ft between the outer edge of the sidewalk and the edge of the road. From the outer (curbside) edge to the inner edge of the sidewalk is about 5ft, so unless plans are made to go around a structure in the construction path, the sidewalk will typically go about 7ft from the edge of the road. However, if you have specific concerns about how far the sidewalk will go, it is advisable to contact the City prior to construction.
- If I wish to plant trees or install a structure in my yard but I am on the schedule for future sidewalks, where can I safely plant so that the trees will not have to be dug up for sidewalk construction later?
First, consult any survey or documentation you might have that depicts specifically the locations of your property lines. You may be able to locate physical markers, such as an iron rod, that marks your property corners. If you do not have documents showing the extent of the City’s right of way near your property, contact an area surveyor, or you may contact the City Clerk’s office to look at a tax map that will show the width of the City’s right-of-way. Right of ways, while enjoyed and maintained by property owners, are for City and utility use. Plantings and structures located there may have to be moved if work is to be done within the right of way. It is also advisable that you are aware of easements on your property. While the sidewalk project is being constructed in the City’s right of way, other work which may affect your plantings / property may be done in easements.
Sidewalk Communications and Notices
- I have special concerns (e.g. landscaping rocks or timbers I would like to keep) that I would want to be sure contractors pay attention to. What is the best way I can communicate this?
Call the City at 978-0100. You may leave your information with Melissa Hipp, who will inform Christopher Brady, the City Engineer. Some residents in active construction areas may receive a call from the City to ask if there are concerns. However, it is the resident’s responsibility to inform the City if there are any concerns that may affect construction or that pose potential for property damage.
- Will there be any more meetings about the sidewalk project?
Public Forums will be held for areas in which construction will begin soon.
Eastwood Sidewalk Project Public Forum - August 27, 2009 5:00-6:30pm City Hall Public Notice: Eastwood
- I would like to talk with the City Engineer about the sidewalk project and my property. Can I stop by the City Hall?
It is highly recommended that an appointment be made if you would like to see the City Engineer. You can call 978-0100 or email Christopher Brady at city.engineer@ci.vestaviahills.al.us
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