Grovetown looks to cut sidewalks, costs

Grovetown city officials will consider an ordinance Monday that would eliminate the requirement for sidewalks within residential developments.

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At an Aug. 25 meeting, city council members rescinded the current ordinance, which requires at least 4-foot-wide sidewalks and a 2-foot-wide landscaped area along both sides of streets in residential neighborhoods inside city limits.

The repeal of the ordinance, which was passed in October 2006, will go into effect pending the approval of a replacement ordinance council members will consider during a Monday meeting, said Connie Smith, the city's planning and zoning director.

"The issue is with long-term maintenance issues and liability issues that would fall on the city," Smith said of the reason for the change.

Development infrastructure, including utilities, roads and sidewalks, is typically deeded to the city when the construction is complete or near completion. The city then covers the cost of maintenance, repairs and liability. The city also bears the cost of ripping out and rebuilding sidewalks for future utility repairs or installations.

The new ordinance city officials will consider would eliminate the requirement for sidewalks on each road in a development. In lieu of the sidewalks, Smith said the ordinance will require a paved 5-foot-wide painted area alongside the roads that would be designated as a walking/biking path.

Sidewalks will still be required along any major roads, including state routes and for areas that are within a mile radius of a school, commercial or recreation area, Smith said.

If approved, the new ordinance will replace the current one immediately.