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Sidewalks, Curbs & Gutters

Sidewalks are a critical piece of infrastructure that connect our neighborhoods and create a safe, pedestrian-friendly place, but it takes teamwork to take care of them. 

  • Residents are responsible for maintaining sidewalks adjacent to their property.

  • The Municipal Services Department is responsible for inspecting all sidewalks, curbs, and gutters and ensuring they are safe and accessible. Additionally, our Street Operations team performs some small repairs, and our Engineering and Construction Divisions oversee some new and replacement projects. 
Ground level picture of sidewalk crack filled with concrete and smoothed by City worker with the Jackson County Courthouse in the background
Municipal Services worker fills crack with concrete on sidewalk
Picture shows a curb ramp that is in need of repair on Waldo. You can see crumbling concrete and the ramp is up higher than the road.
Picture shows a business on the square with an ADA accessible ramp leading to the sidewalk. You can see the bumps on the sidewalk ramp that's flush with the street and white crosswalk lines leading up to it.
Picture shows before the City installed new sidewalks and curb ramps along Forest
Image of a sidewalk adjacent to a roadway. Emphasis is made towards the sidewalk because it has been recently improved. This can be seen in the light gray color from freshly poured and cured concrete.

Sidewalks, Curbs, and Gutters

Sidewalks - Residents and visitors use our sidewalks to connect with people and places citywide. There are over 1.7 million linear feet of sidewalks in the City of Independence. We all must do our part to ensure that our community's sidewalks remain safe and accessible.

Curb and Gutters - In total, there are over 3.5 million linear feet of curbing on Independence streets. Curbs and gutters in good repair support the lifespan of our roads and stormwater system.

Curb Cuts & Driveway Approaches - A curb cut is a dip or ramp in a sidewalk or curb that allows for a smooth transition from the street to a driveway, garage, parking lot, loading dock, or drive-through. 

Who is responsible for what?

Property Owners

In most cases, property owners are responsible for repairing and maintaining the sidewalks, curbs, and gutters next to their home or business (Sec. 17.06.002). This includes keeping sidewalks safe, clear, and in good repair. If sidewalks fall below the standards set in City Code, it may result in a code violation.

Engineering and Construction

New sidewalk, curb, or gutter installations are included in the Capital Improvement Projects and overseen by our Engineering and Construction Divisions. Projects are prioritized based on safety concerns, ADA compliance, age, condition, pedestrian use, and funding.

To see more information about the City Sidewalk Projects and the Big Road Projects that include sidewalk construction, check out the full Capital Improvement Plan.

Our Right-of-Way team (Construction Division) also inspects areas outside of the roadway, in the right-of-way, to ensure compliance. As a general rule of thumb, the right-of-way typically extends 11 feet from the edge of the street pavement. Check the Jackson County property records to see the actual right-of-way for a particular property. More information about the inspection, enforcement, and repair process can be found here.

Street Operations

The Street Operations Division maintains sidewalks, curbs, and gutters in front of City-owned properties and addresses damage caused by heat, City work, settling, or general deterioration. This team also repairs sidewalks as needed, trims trees, clears illegal dumping, removes graffiti, and mows grass within the right-of-way. Curb and gutter repairs or replacements are handled on a case-by-case basis.

Sidewalk FAQs

As a general rule of thumb, the right-of-way can be estimated to extend 11 feet from the edge of the street pavement. However, to determine the actual right-of-way on a particular property, you need to check Jackson County property records and/or do a survey. 

While the property owner is required to maintain this area, the City has the responsibility to ensure appropriate and safe use of the right-of-way. For example, sight obstructions, signs, and basketball goals are not allowed.

Municipal Services will sometimes maintain, repair, or install sidewalks next to City property or new construction projects. 

However, in most cases, property owners are responsible for repairing and maintaining the sidewalks, curbs, and gutters next to their home or business (Sec. 17.06.002). This includes keeping sidewalks safe, clear, and in good repair. If sidewalks fail to meet the standards set in the City Code, it may result in a code violation.

State law allows cities throughout Missouri to require property owners to maintain the sidewalks adjacent to their property (RSMo 1939 § 7541).

Within 7 business days of reporting a sidewalk issue, a City of Independence inspector will assess and document the sidewalk concern.

Here's what that process looks like:

  • An inspector is sent out to review and evaluate the sidewalk condition.
    • The inspector evaluates the condition of the sidewalk and documents what they see.
  • The inspector creates a report on the findings, including their recommendations.
    • The report and recommendations are based on the severity of the situation as compared to other sidewalks with similar conditions, tripping hazards, and accessibility concerns.
  • If the inspector finds a code violation, a notice will be sent to the property owner.

If a Utility Company or a City contractor caused damage to a sidewalk, the contractor must make the repairs at no cost to you.

For damage caused by a utility company, please contact: 

  1. Utility Company - first contact the private company's customer service number.
  2. If you are having trouble reaching the utility company, contact Right-of-Way at (816) 325-7617 or email RightOfWayInspection@indepmo.org

For damage caused by a city contractor, please contact:

A curb cut is a dip or ramp in a sidewalk or curb that allows for a smooth transition from the street to a driveway, garage, parking lot, loading dock, or drive-through.

To determine if it's permissible to add or extend a curb cut to your property, please complete the Driveway Approach Application form and review the City's Design & Construction Manual. 

If you have questions about a curb cut request, please contact (816) 325-7617 or email RightOfWayInspection@indepmo.org.