Title
Introduction of Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Repealing Chapter XXII (Streets and Sidewalks), Article I (Streets), Section 22-3 (Repairs) in Its Entirety and Repealing and Replacing Chapter XXII (Streets and Sidewalks), Article II (Sidewalks), Sections 22-18 (Repair of Sidewalks and Other Works) and 22-20 (Specifications) to Amend the Sidewalk Repair Procedures and Make Other Technical Amendments. (Public Works C14000)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Adam W. Politzer, Interim City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On January 6, 2026, City Council held a public hearing to consider amendments to the City of Alameda Municipal Code (AMC) Sections 22-3, 22-18, and 22-20 related to sidewalk repair procedures. Following that hearing, City Council directed staff to return with a revised ordinance that retains the City of Alameda’s (City) ability to: 1) administer a program allowing the City to perform required sidewalk repairs under a voluntary agreement and be reimbursed by the property owner; 2) have multiple opportunities for the City to provide financial assistance when hardship is demonstrate; and 3) offer payment plans, when needed, for the amount due to the City. The revised ordinance, per City Council direction, includes a collections process only for delinquent accounts. As also directed by City Council, staff will return in one year to report out on the sidewalk repair program metrics, lessons learned, and recommendations regarding long-term continuation.
Staff recommend introduction of an ordinance Amending Alameda Municipal Code by Repealing Chapter XXII (Streets and Sidewalks), Article I (Streets), Section 22-3 (Repairs) in Its Entirety and Repealing and Replacing Chapter XXII (Streets and Sidewalks), Article II (Sidewalks), Sections 22-18 (Repair of Sidewalks and Other Works) and 22-20 (Specifications) to Amend the Sidewalk Repair Procedures and Make Other Technical Amendments.
BACKGROUND
On January 6, 2026 <https://alameda.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7787503&GUID=D8822F88-AADF-4A07-82F8-766801E122B1&Options=ID%7CText%7C&Search=collections&FullText=1>, City Council adopted amendments to Chapter 1 of the AMC and approved a Collections Policy to promote transparency, equitable treatment of debtors, and the timely recovery of City revenues. At the same meeting, staff also presented amendments to the AMC Sections 22-3, 22-18, and 22-20 related to sidewalk repair procedures.
While City Council supports the ongoing implementation of the pilot sidewalk repair program that began in February 2025, City Council directed staff to revise the proposed sidewalk ordinance to remove the process for placing a special assessment on properties with delinquent sidewalk repair costs. Instead, City Council directed staff to rely on the newly adopted Citywide collections process to address delinquent accounts.
DISCUSSION
Consistent with City Council direction, the proposed revised ordinance amending AMC Sections 22-3, 22-18, and 22-20 codifies the City’s ability to:
• Administer a program allowing the City to perform required sidewalk repairs under a voluntary agreement and be reimbursed by the property owner;
• Have multiple opportunities for the City to provide financial assistance when hardship is demonstrated; and
• Offer payment plans, when needed, for the amount due to the City.
As part of the pilot sidewalk repair program and proposed revised ordinance, when a property owner does not respond to multiple repair notifications, the City may proceed with repairs to eliminate hazardous conditions, thereby reducing City liability and preventing public injury. The City will invoice the property owner for costs incurred. For delinquent accounts, the proposed revised ordinance authorizes the City to initiate a collections process for the amount due. The option to place a special assessment on the property has been removed per City Council direction.
Exhibit 1 includes the ordinance that was proposed to City Council on January 6, with the revisions directed by City Council shown in redline.
As also directed by City Council, staff will return to City Council after at least one year of continued program implementation to present program metrics, lessons learned, and recommendations regarding long-term continuation of the pilot sidewalk repair.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
At times, it is necessary for the City to perform sidewalk repairs that are the responsibility of property owners in order to reduce City liability and prevent public injury. The proposed ordinance specifies a clear and transparent process for when the City will make those repairs and how the City will recover costs, including use of the City’s formal collections process for delinquent accounts.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
Repealing and/or repealing and replacing Alameda Municipal Codes Sections 22-3, 22-18, and 22-20 to further define a clear and transparent process for collecting delinquent payment for sidewalk repair costs and to make other technical amendments to these sidewalk repair sections support two City Strategic Plan Priorities: Practice Fiscally Responsible, Equitable and Inclusive Governance and Invest in Transportation Infrastructure. The proposed ordinance also supports the City Strategic Plan, project TIE19 related to implementation of the City’s Americans with Disabilities Act plan for City programs, facilities, parks, streets, and sidewalks.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action does not constitute a “project” as defined in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378 and therefore no further CEQA analysis is required.
CLIMATE IMPACT
Safe, walkable sidewalks are essential to meeting the vehicle miles traveled reduction goals in the City’s Climate Action and Resiliency Plan. Although cement manufacturing contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, the City’s contractor is required to recycle a minimum of 95% of the concrete removed.
RECOMMENDATION
Introduce an Ordinance amending Alameda Municipal Code by repealing Chapter XXII (Streets and Sidewalks), Article I (Streets), Section 22-3 (Repairs) in its entirety and repealing and replacing Chapter XXII (Streets and Sidewalks), Article II (Sidewalks), Sections 22-18 (Repair of Sidewalk and Other Works) and 22-20 (Specifications) to amend the sidewalk repair procedures and make other technical amendments.
Respectfully submitted,
Erin Smith, Public Works Director
By,
Lilian Jewell, ADA Coordinator
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Ross McCarthy, Finance Director
Exhibit:
1. Redlined January 6, 2026 Proposed Ordinance