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Curb & Sidewalk Reimbursement Program

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Curb & Sidewalk Reimbursement Program

The City of South Bend’s Department of Public Works is now accepting applications for the 2026 Curb & Sidewalk Reimbursement Program. The program helps property owners with costs to repair curbs, sidewalks and ADA ramps adjacent to their properties. Homeowners and property owners within city limits, including businesses, are eligible for the program. 

Applicants are encouraged to apply early as the program has reached full capacity in previous years. 

View Curb & Sidewalk Reimbursement Application
 


What is the Curb & Sidewalk Reimbursement Program?

The Curb & Sidewalk Reimbursement Program offers reimbursement for replacement of existing curbs, sidewalks and ADA ramps within city limits. Per Chapter 18, Article 3 of the South Bend Municipal Code, the maintenance and repair of curb and sidewalk is the responsibility of the abutting property owner. 
 


What are the reimbursement amounts?

The Curb & Sidewalk program offers reimbursements for replacement of existing curbs and sidewalks within city limits. Reimbursement amounts are listed below. 

Table showing construction costs by project type and property status. Columns are “Homeowner Occupied,” “Homeowner Occupied (in Target Area),” and “All Other.” Rows list: Curb: $15 per linear foot; $30 per linear foot (target area); $7.50 per linear foot (all other). Sidewalk: $20 per linear foot; $40 per linear foot (target area); $10 per linear foot (all other). ADA ramp: $950 per ramp for all categories.

*Includes landlords, businesses, churches, schools, etc. Maximum reimbursement amount for the *All Other category is 250 ft of curb and sidewalk combined.


Where are the target areas?

The City selected three target areas based on income and conditions of sidewalks for 2026. Homeowners who live within these target areas will receive a higher reimbursement amount. 

Target Areas 1 & 2:

Target Area 3

       


How do I submit my application for the program?

All reimbursement applications must be submitted via email to the Division of Engineering at PWPrograms@southbendin.gov. 


What is the process for the Curb & Sidewalk Reimbursement Program?

The reimbursement process consists of six steps.

1. Project Estimate: Contact a licensed contractor for an estimate on curb and/or sidewalk repair work. The City cannot recommend contractors for work. Contractors do, however, need to be bonded with the Department of Public Works. View list of contractors licensed and bonded with the City. 
 
2. Application: Fill out the Curb & Sidewalk Reimbursement Application and include the contractor's estimate with your submission.  Email application and contractor's estimate to PWPrograms@southbendin.gov.  

3. Pre-Approval: The City will complete a pre-construction inspection of the project and give pre-approval within five business days of receiving an application. 

4. Permits: Instruct the contractor to get sidewalk construction and occupancy permits from the City's Engineering Office by emailing PWPrograms@southbendin.gov or calling 574.235.9254.  

5. Construction: Once the contractor has completed the project and has been paid, email in proof of payment (signed contractor invoice) along with a copy of the pre-approval application to PWPrograms@southbendin.gov by November 6, 2026.

6. Reimbursement: The City completes post-construction inspection at the property. Upon a successful inspection, a reimbursement check will be mailed within six weeks. 


When does the program end?

The final reimbursement form, including contractor signature confirming the work is complete, must be submitted to the Engineering Office by November 6, 2026. 


311 Process Notes

Callers with questions that cannot be answered by 311 should be directed to the Permits Office at X9254. 

If residents need a brochure mailed to them, fill out a service request to the Engineering front desk. 

Non-homeowners mean commercial properties, churches, schools, businesses, etc. There is a maximum reimbursement amount for landlords, businesses, churches, schools, commercial properties, etc of 250 ft of curb and sidewalk combined.

Here is a list of contractors licensed and bonded with the City to provide to residents when they call for a list.