Concrete Sidewalk and Driveway Ramp Repair in Santa Monica

Everybody in the Southland knows that sidewalks in Los Angeles are treacherous – but what about Santa Monica? As its own municipality, the city of Santa Monica takes better care of its sidewalks. You can see the difference when you literally cross the street from Los Angeles to Santa Monica.

However, as good as the property owners in Santa Monica have it in terms of sidewalk maintenance, there are times when you may want to call in a professional to repair your concrete sidewalk in Santa Monica. 

If you are putting up new construction or you want a new driveway approach to replace your cracked and crumbling driveway ramp, it’s time to call out the big guns – the licensed concrete contractor. 

What is damaging my sidewalk and driveway approach in Santa Monica?

Most people’s first guess as to why the concrete sidewalks and driveway ramps are cracked in Southern California is…earthquakes.

While temblors do cause damage when they hit, they are nothing when compared to the destructive force of fauna. That’s right, it’s those beautiful trees that line the Santa Monica streets that are tearing up the concrete.

Santa Monica has been an incorporated city for almost 150 years. It’s reasonable that some of the trees are almost that old. And those huge trees have gigantic roots that cause uplift in the sidewalks and driveway ramps. Once the concrete is lifted up, water and erosion do their business and you’re left with a cracked and crumbling sidewalk. 

Who is responsible for sidewalk and driveway ramp repair in Santa Monica?

The city actually has a pretty good record when it comes to fixing trip hazards. You can call 311 or go to their website and report the issue. The city then responds or inspects the site within 10 days. This is a huge difference from Los Angeles – which has a backlog going back decades.

However, the city is only going to fix the trip hazards. They are NOT going to replace your driveway ramp or approach. If you are putting in new construction, the city is not going to give you a new sidewalk. If you want to replace your driveway ramp, the city is not going to do that for you. You have to pay for that all yourself. 

How do I make my sidewalk ADA compliant in Santa Monica?

Calling all property managers in Santa Monica – is your sidewalk ADA compliant? More and more businesses are dealing with nuisance lawsuits due to old or outdated ramps that are not in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act.

Beat them to the courthouse. Hire a licensed concrete contractor to update your sidewalk and driveway ramps. Why a licensed concrete contractor? They understand and have experience constructing ramps and sidewalks that comply with the ADA. Hiring a general contractor will not suffice. 

Do I need a permit to fix my sidewalk or driveway ramp in Santa Monica?

Yes. 

However, if you’re used to dealing with the city of Los Angeles’ permitting process, you will find the process in Santa Monica to be almost quaint. 

You will need to obtain a “Use of Public Property Permit.” This type of permit is necessary any time you will need to block the public right-of-way including:

• Streets
• Parkways
• Alleys
• Parks
• Other public land

You can use this permit when you are temporarily blocking the right-of-way with:

• Moving container
• Temporary fencing
• Protective canopy
• Building material
• Debris and dumpsters
• Equipment in connection with any building or other work upon adjacent private property.
• The city will issue temporary No Parking signs. 

In order to get the permit, you will need to email the city. The directions can be found here. 

Ready to install a new sidewalk or driveway ramp in Santa Monica? Give us a call. We have the knowledge and experience to complete the entire project – from permits to installation and inspections. Get a free estimate today.