Municipal Duties
Guides across the site that deal with municipal duties.
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City Hall & Public Services
Sidewalk, Curb, and Street Tree Responsibilities
Cities generally own the sidewalk, curb, and planting strip, then assign much of the upkeep to the abutting property owner by ordinance. The split is set locally.
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City Hall & Public Services
Water and Sewer Bills, Liens, and Shutoffs
Water and sewer service is typically tied to the property rather than the person, which is why unpaid charges become liens and why shutoff rules differ from other utilities.
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City Hall & Public Services
Trash, Recycling, and Bulk Pickup Violations
Set-out times, container standards, recycling contamination, and bulk item rules are all local. Enforcement usually begins with a notice and escalates to penalties and liens.
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City Hall & Public Services
Special Assessments and Local Improvement Districts
Special assessments pay for local improvements by charging the properties that benefit. The legal test is a special benefit, apportioned in proportion to the charge.