Improvements

The City of Oak Park provides several programs that help maintain safe, attractive neighborhoods and support long-term community investment. Below are resources for residents who wish to request improvements or who are required to make repairs.

Tree Request FormSidewalk Repair ProgramResources for homeowners

Tree Request Form

Several people hold a Tree City USA banner in a wooded area in Oak Park Michigan.Oak Park takes pride in its mature, tree-lined streets. The city has been named a Tree City USA community for 43 of the program's 50 years and has received the Growth Award for 23 years.

Each year, the Department of Public Works plants new trees in appropriate locations across the city.
Residents may request to have a tree planted in front of their house in the public right-of-way. This is the grassy area between the sidewalk and the street.

How it works:

  • Submit a request using our online Tree Request Form .
  • Department of Public Works staff will review the location to confirm that conditions at that location will support healthy tree growth.
Tree planting is based on seasonal planning and available inventory. The city cannot guarantee a planting date, but all requests remain on file for future consideration.

Questions?
Call the Department of Public Works at (248) 691-7497.

Sidewalk Repair Program

Two men repairing a sidewalk unload cement from a truck.The city administers a sidewalk repair program to ensure safe, uniform sidewalks throughout Oak Park. Sidewalks are evaluated, and repairs or replacements are scheduled when they meet specific hazard or deterioration criteria.

  Cost
Property owners pay the exact cost charged by the city’s contractor. A detailed, itemized list will be mailed to the property owner once pricing is finalized.

Temporary repairs
Property owners can make temporary repairs for minor holes or chips using approved products such as Quikrete Vinyl Concrete Patcher.
To do this, you must:

Replacement options
Property owners can choose one of the following replacement options:

  1. Allow the city’s contractor to complete the work (no permit required).
  2. Hire a private contractor and receive the required permit from the Technical and Planning Services Office.
  3. Do the work yourself, with a required permit.

If you choose to hire a contractor or complete the work yourself:

  • You must obtain a Right-of-Way Permit.
  • Work must be finished before the deadline stated in your city notice.
  • If work is not completed by the deadline, the city’s contractor will perform the work and will invoice you.

Standards and specifications
All work must meet current city standards. Copies are available when you obtain your permit.

Additional work by the city contractor
You may request extra sidewalk work (driveways, approaches, patios).
This agreement is between you and the contractor; the city does not become involved in private contracts or disputes.

Damage from trees or utilities

  • Tree roots: The city removes roots before installing new sidewalks. It is expected that healthy trees will survive this process.
  • Property owners are responsible for sidewalk repairs caused by tree roots, regardless of tree ownership.
  • The city pays 100 percent of replacement costs for damage caused by utility structures such as manholes or water gate wells.

Lawn restoration
Most sidewalk work requires only a narrow strip of grass to be restored. The contractor will fill it with topsoil and seed.

Driveway access
New concrete requires about one week to cure. You must not drive over the area until the contractor removes the barrels.

Financing options
Special Assessment District financing is available for homestead properties:

  • Up to $1,000: Standard payment deadline applies.
  • $1,000 to $2,000: Two-year financing at 6 percent interest.
  • More than $2,000: Three-year financing at 6 percent interest.

Sidewalk replacement criteria
A sidewalk is replaced if it meets any of the following conditions:

  1. Vertical separation: More than ¾ inch between sidewalk slabs.
  2. Cracked slabs: 
    • Cracks wider than 3/8 inch, or
    • A flag broken into three or more sections.
  3. Spalling or scaling: 
    • If 75 percent of a one-foot grid shows spalling or scaling.
  4. Cross slope: 
    • If the slab slopes toward the inside edge excessively.
    • 5 to 6 holes or chips: Holes/chips deeper than ¼ inch and wider than 2 inches.
  5. Miscellaneous hazards: 
    • Water retention that causes ice hazards
    • Slope greater than ½ inch per foot
    • Any flag deemed unsafe by the city engineer
  6. City responsibility: 
    • The city replaces sidewalks damaged by city utility structures, as well as handicap ramps, key flags and sidewalks on city property.

Building Division Resources for Homeowners

The Building Division oversees construction, renovation and development to ensure all structures in Oak Park meet safety and building code requirements.

Projects requiring permits
Many projects require permits, including:

  • New construction
  • Additions
  • Structural alterations
  • Fire-suppression systems
  • Demolition
  • Swimming pools
  • Sheds
  • Decks
  • Any work in the public right-of-way

If you are unsure whether a permit is required, call (248) 691-7450.

Why permits matter
Permits include professional inspections during each phase of construction, helping ensure work is completed safely and correctly.

Do-it-yourself projects
Homeowners planning DIY improvements are encouraged to speak with a building inspector before starting work.

Additional services
The Building Division also provides:

  • Business-license inspections
  • Staff support for the Building Board of Appeals
  • Guidance for residents and contractors