Sidewalk Rebate Program

The City offers financial assistance through the Sidewalk Rebate Program. This program allows homeowners to apply for partial rebates to help reduce the cost of sidewalk and curb repairs, including replacements.

The City's Sidewalk Rebate Program allows eligible residents to receive a rebate for sidewalk repairs completed by a licensed contractor. The rebate amount will not exceed $3,000.

The program operates annually from October 1 through September 30 and accepts applications on a first-come, first-served basis while funds are available. Residents are encouraged to apply early.

Rebate Coverage & Repair Cost

The eligible rebate that residents can receive range from 50-70% of the repair cost. The City will determine the total rebate estimate for which you are eligible according to whether or not your property is located in a federally-designated Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) geographic area. An example of the required match amounts are shown below:

City & Resident Cost Share for Sidewalk Repair

Detached from Curb

50 Feet Length, 4 Feet Width = $75 per linear foot (based on City-determined Cost of Service)

Land Use Type Cost Share (%) Cost Share ($) Total Cost
Residential
(Non-CDBG)
  • Resident 50%
  • City 50%
  • Resident $1,500
  • City $1,500
$3,000
Residential
(CDBG)
  • Resident 30%
  • City 70%
  • Resident $900
  • City $2,100
$3,000

Attached to Curb

50 Feet Length, 4 Feet Width = $85 per linear foot (based on City-determined Cost of Service)

Land Use Type Cost Share (%) Cost Share ($) Total Cost
Residential
(Non-CDBG)
  • Resident 50%
  • City 50%
  • Resident $1,700
  • City $1,700
$3,400
Residential (CDBG)
  • Resident 30%
  • City 70%
  • Resident $1,020
  • City $2,380
$3,400

Eligibility

Any homeowner within city limits may apply. Commercial properties are not eligible. Eligibility is based on the sidewalk's location and condition, payment by the homeowner or their neighborhood association, and a completed rebate form after inspection.

For full eligibility details and more about the program, view the Sidewalk Rebate Program Brochure(PDF, 2MB).

Signup Process

Step 1.Submit Your Request

Measure the existing linear feet of sidewalk along your property line, then call 3-1-1 or 210-207-6000 to determine the possible rebate amount pending eligibility confirmation.

311 will submit all service requests to the Public Works Department (PWD) for investigation and a formal cost estimate. PWD will inspect your sidewalk and provide a repair assessment with a rebate estimate. You'll have 15 business days to accept or decline.

A homeowner or neighborhood association may submit a request for a specific street segment. Have the following information ready when you submit your request:

  • contact information
  • requested street name
  • requester's address
  • estimated length or measurements of sidewalk needing repair
  • limits of the street segment (e.g., 8500 - 8600 block)

Step 2.Hire a Contractor

If you accept the estimate, you can then select and hire a licensed contractor of your choice to complete all necessary sidewalk repairs within 60 business days.

You may use your own contractor. Make sure they are licensed and understand the required process, including providing proper estimates, permits and documentation.

Step 3.Submit Forms & Invoice

In order to be eligible for the rebate, when repairs are complete, submit your completed rebate forms and a copy of the invoice (or receipt) from the contractor itemizing work and costs to initiate final inspection.

Step 4.Receive Rebate Check

Once repairs have been inspected and approved, you will receive a rebate check by mail for the eligible amount of the repair cost, not to exceed $3,000. Your check will be mailed to you within 30 business days of the inspection.

Resident Survey Results

View the resident survey report and map of repaired sidewalks from the Sidewalk Rebate Program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all sidewalks qualify?
Any residential sidewalk within City limits may be considered. If the City plans construction on your street (e.g., Infrastructure Management Program (IMP) or Bond Programs within the next five years, staff may coordinate repairs with that work instead of through this program.
What does the scope of work include?
Repairs are limited to sidewalks within the public right of way and may include Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements such as ramps when required. Only the portion in need of replacement (as determined by PWD) is eligible. Work such as retaining walls or items tied to removal and reinstallation may not be covered.
What is a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)?
A federal program that provides funding for qualifying communities and activities. Some properties located in eligible CDBG areas may receive different rebate percentages based on program rules.
How does the City arrive at its "estimated cost"?
It is a City cost estimate for concrete, curb, and construction-related items used to calculate the rebate; it is not a contractor's bid. Actual contractor prices may vary.
What happens if the City comes back later and builds sidewalks? Am I out all that money I spent on my own repair?
Residents may be eligible for additional reimbursement if a City project later replaces sidewalk panels already repaired through this Program, up to - but not exceeding - the City's total cost estimate for the repair. The construction project must occur within 365 days of the original program repair.
Why did my neighbor on the next block get more money than me for his sidewalk repair?
Rebates can vary based on whether a property is within an eligible CDBG area and other location-based criteria.
Why do I have to repair a City sidewalk? Isn't that the City's responsibility?
By City ordinance, property owners are responsible for repairing and maintaining sidewalks adjoining their property, including keeping them safe and in good condition.
I just learned about this program, and I had already started a sidewalk repair. Can I still get reimbursed?
Possibly. Projects already started may be considered case-by-case and must be reviewed by the City. Eligibility depends on timing, funding availability, and whether program requirements can still be met.