The City of Columbus is responsible for maintaining about 6,000 lane miles of roadway, including residential streets, and portions of major arterials, SR 315, SR 104, and US 33. Interstates I-270, I-70 and I-670 are maintained by the Ohio Department of Transportation.

To report potholes in Columbus, contact 311 Call Center at (614) 645-3111 or e-mail: 311@columbus.gov

Where can I find out about sidewalks?

1. Are sidewalks the responsibility of the City or the property owner?

While sidewalks are used by the public, they are normally paid for and maintained by the individual property owner, which may be a homeowner, landlord or business owner. Owners pay for sidewalks by property tax assessment or the real estate developer may have provided the sidewalk, if within a newer subdivision. Developers are now required to provide sidewalks within all new developments. In developments where an addition to an existing building or structure is 50% or more of the original square footage, sidewalks must be added where they do not presently exist.

The property owner is responsible for any needed repairs and other maintenance to sidewalks, such as snow and ice removal. Columbus City Code Section 905.04 establishes the maintenance responsibility to the property owner. To report a sidewalk in poor condition, contact 311 Call Center at (614) 645-3111 or email: 311@columbus.gov.

2. How can a Columbus resident get a sidewalk where one currently does not exist?

The City is presently reviewing its policy and procedures regarding sidewalk assessments. If you would like more information on the status of the review, please contact 311 Call Center at (614) 645-3111 or email: 311@columbus.gov.

3. Are there other circumstances where the City does provide sidewalks and curbs at no cost to the property owner?

The City may elect to construct sidewalks or bike paths as part of major roadway projects, such as street widening or high-pedestrian areas.  Operation Safewalks identified priorities for sidewalk construction for arterials, and, as funding allows, these sidewalk projects will be constructed.

4. Why is so much of the City still uncurbed and without sidewalks?

An estimated 50% to 60% of the City does not contain curbs and/or sidewalks. Some of these areas are older, built when sidewalks were not standard practice as it is today.  Many sidewalk gaps exist within sections of the City that were originally townships, later annexed into the City of Columbus.  The original property owners or developers opted not to include sidewalks.

5. Why are some sidewalks made of concrete and others of asphalt?

Generally, concrete sidewalks are the standard and can be installed along both curbed and uncurbed streets. Asphalt surfaces are reserved for temporary sidewalks or shared use paths.

6. Where do I get a permit to build or replace a sidewalk?

Permits may be obtained at the Transportation Division offices, 109 North Front Street, Third Floor, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday.

Replacement sidewalk $40; new sidewalk $75; drawing required for new sidewalk.  For other questions about permits, call 645-7497.

Payment may be cash (exact change only), VISA, MasterCard or check made payable to Columbus City Treasurer; fee charged for credit cards. 

How do I report a broken traffic light or street sign?

Call (614) 645-7393 and provide detailed information, such as street name, intersection, direction of travel.

To report missing, damaged or obstructed non-emergency signs (other than STOP or YIELD signs), contact 311 Call Center at (614) 645-3111 or email: 311@columbus.gov

How can I get my street resurfaced?

Contact 311 Call Center at (614) 645-3111 or e-mail: 311@columbus.gov. Your street will be assessed by the Transportation Division and prioritized with other streets for resurfacing.

How can I get a speed-awareness trailer placed on my street?

Contact 311 Call Center at (614) 645-3111 or e-mail: 311@columbus.gov. The trailers are reserved on a first come, first served basis, delivered to your street and left for one week. 

How can our community receive traffic-calming treatments such as speed humps, medians, road diets and mini circles?

A community must be studied by the Transportation Division first to determine mobility patterns, vehicular speeding, accident studies and more before traffic-calming treatments can be considered. The first step is for a citizen to request a speed-awareness trailer; see above.

Other questions? Contact 311 Call Center at (614) 645-3111 or e-mail: 311@columbus.gov.