Ok. Not everything. However, as I’ve gotten many questions about sidewalks, I thought I would share answers to some of the most common queries.

Why do some neighborhoods have sidewalks and others don’t?

The overwhelming majority of sidewalks were built by neighborhood developers and homeowners. Homes in Blue Ash have been built since the area was settled in 1791 up until today. As you can imagine the needs and desires of homeowners has changed quite a bit over that time. Many of our older neighborhoods don’t have sidewalks while many of our newer ones do.

Who maintains the sidewalks?

While the Ohio Revised Code (729.01) gives the responsibility of sidewalk maintenance to the adjacent property owner, it has generally been the policy of Blue Ash to maintain sidewalks in our city. Each year the city spends considerable sums on this work. In 2026 we have budgeted $800,000 for sidewalk and curb repair. If you have a concern about the condition of a sidewalk, contact the Public Works Service Department Center (513-686-1250).

My street doesn’t have sidewalks. Is it possible to get them put in?

Yes. There is a process by which neighbors can agree to have sidewalks installed by the city and then have the cost of the project be paid by the adjacent landowners through the property tax bill. You can find the details in this memo. A few highlights:

• Most of the neighbors have to agree. As I read it, owners of the property representing 60% of the length of the sidewalk or 75% of the owners in the area to be assessed need to agree for the project to move forward. (See memo item A.)
• The city has to pay for all of the costs upfront but will assess the property owners to reimburse the cost. The payments can be spread out over 30 years. (See memo item C.)
• Only the owners on the side of the street where the sidewalk is built can be assessed the cost. (See memo item E.)
• Owners assessed for the sidewalk can apply for a deferment of the payment. If granted, the council could allow the fees to be paid at a future date or when the property is sold in the future. (See memo item I.)

If you and several of your neighbors are interested in exploring this option further, I’d be happy to meet with you. Please reach out.

Who’s responsible for shoveling the snow off sidewalks?

According to the city website, “Property owners are not required to shovel or otherwise remove snow and ice from sidewalks.  However, property owners are free to do so if they wish.  The City does not provide snow removal at any locations other than at its own facilities to make them accessible and open for business.”

Has the city ever paid for new sidewalks?

Yes. However, the sidewalks that the city puts in are focused on connecting neighborhoods and areas of our town together. Many of these are on major roads (Kenwood) or lead to attractions (Summit Park or the Blue Ash Rec Center).