PUBLIC WORKS
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FAQ's
Who is responsible for the sidewalk in front of my house?
The property owner is responsible for the repair and maintenance of sidewalks,
by State Law. Any property owner, who fails to maintain their sidewalk
in a safe condition is considered negligent in their duties as a property
owner, and is liable for injuries which may occur due to it's lack of
maintenance.
It is further required that property owners or renters of property within
the City of Spearfish, shovel the snow from their sidewalk to allow for
pedestrian passage.
Who is responsible for the Water and Sewer Service Lines leading to my
home?
The property owner is responsible for all piping and appurtenances, which
are not part of the water or sewer main. Problems such as water leaks,
broken or
inoperable water shut-off, blockages or freezing which occur in the service
lines, are the responsibility of the property owner or tenant.
How do I get settled Curb adjacent to my property repaired?
The City budgets for Curb and Gutter replacement annually. The landowners
may call the City Engineer’s office to have their curb put on the replacement
list. The City Engineer will inspect the site and determine whether replacement
is necessary. All sites are prioritized and the amount replaced is determined
by budget. If tree roots cause the curb and gutter to lift, the landowner must
remove the tree prior to curb replacement.
What can I do about my neighbor's drainage coming onto my property?
There is not an ordinance that directly deals with a property owner's rights
in this situation. It is recommended that the property owner's try to work
out a mutually beneficial solution between them. Normally a drainage swail
can be created on the property between the homes to direct the drainage to
the street or backyard and away from structures. If a solution cannot be
worked out to the satisfaction of the property owners, and one property owner
feels
that they are being damaged by the other property owner, it is a civil matter,
which may require appropriate legal counsel to resolve the matter.
Who is responsible for Street Lights, Traffic Signals, and Traffic Signs?
The Mayor determines when and where street lights are installed. Additional
street lights can be requested by calling 642-1333. Traffic signals and traffic
signs are installed and maintained by the traffic department. If you notice
that a street light is out or a traffic sign is down, please call 642-1333
with the location, and the necessary repair will be made as soon as possible.
Who will locate my property lines?
There are local Engineering Firms that provide surveying services for private
landowners. A list of licensed land surveyors is listed in the Yellow Pages
under Surveyors-Land.
LINKS
FEMA - http://www.fema.gov/
NFIP - http://www.fema.gov/nfip/
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