We are building a new home and recently poured the sidewalk and the driveway apron. We did the work ourselves along with the help from a friend who is a licensed contractor. After everything was formed the city came out to inspect. We passed the form inspection and proceeded to pour the concrete the next day. The day after the pour the city contacted us and wanted to know who the contractor was. We told them we did the work and the cities response was that a city approved contractor had to do any right of way work and if we did not use one (our friend is not on this list) we would have to tear up the sidewalk/apron and start over with an approved contractor. Has anyone ever had this issue and is there another solution other than doing all this work again and spending thousands of dollars? We live in Oregon.
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
Listeners write in about power tool batteries, replacing sheathing behind brick, and rebuilding a pressure-treated deck.
Featured Video
Builder’s Advocate: An Interview With ViewrailHighlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
Stinks of graft. They should have told you this bs before they approved the forms. I think you need a lawyer. I wonder what bribes you have to pay to become an approved contractor.
Cities usually have a preferred concrete mix and thickness requirements since they will be maintaining the concrete in the right of way.
If you can get a detail from the city's engineering department for sidewalks and approaches you may meet the specs since it was inspected by a representative for city.
I'd consider going into the office and see if you can talk to the planning director to discuss options. Depends on the city you're in I guess. I'm also in Oregon. Best of luck to you!