Cracked sidewalks or a steep driveway approach can stall your sale faster than you think. In Massillon, you are responsible for the walk and curb in front of your home, and work in the public right of way has to meet accessibility rules. The good news: with a clear plan, you can handle permits, repairs, and disclosures without surprises. This guide explains what the ADA does and doesn’t require, how Massillon enforces sidewalk and driveway rules, and how to keep your closing on track. Let’s dive in.
Why sidewalks and driveways matter in Massillon
Massillon’s code places maintenance of sidewalks, curbs, and the tree lawn on the abutting property owner. That includes keeping surfaces safe and handling snow and ice next to your property. If a sidewalk is unsafe, the city can require repair and may assess costs if you do not act. Review the city’s owner responsibilities in the ordinance for details about upkeep and enforcement. See the Massillon code on owner duties.
For sellers, this affects your listing in three ways: safety during showings, disclosure of known defects, and potential title impacts if there are city assessments.
What the ADA does and does not require when you sell
Private homes are not treated like public facilities under the ADA. You do not have to bring your house up to ADA standards to sell it. That said, the ADA’s technical rules do apply when work is done in the public right of way, like sidewalks and curb ramps at intersections. Massillon’s permits and inspections use these standards to ensure public pedestrian routes are accessible. You can review the federal design standards here: 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
Detectable warnings and other curb ramp details are guided by the U.S. Access Board’s public rights-of-way guidelines. If a curb ramp is replaced or added, expect the city to require compliant materials and placement. Learn more in the Access Board’s PROWAG.
Permits and inspections: what Massillon requires
Any work in the public right of way requires a permit from the Engineering Department. That includes sidewalk replacement, curb cuts, and driveway approaches. Contractors working in the right of way must be licensed and bonded with the City. The city also notes that ADA curb ramps are required at roadway intersections, and inspections verify compliance.
- Concrete/ROW permit required for sidewalk, curbing, driveway approach, and ADA ramp work
- Licensed, bonded contractors for right-of-way work
- Inspections, with possible re-inspection fees if work is not compliant
- Base permit fees are modest, but confirm current amounts before starting
Check current requirements and fees on the city’s page: Massillon Engineering Permits & Fees.
Key ADA and city specs in plain English
When sidewalk or curb-ramp work happens in front of your home, inspectors look for a few core measurements. These are common benchmarks you should know:
- Curb ramp running slope: max 1:12. Cross slope: max 1:48. Counter slopes next to the ramp: not steeper than 1:20. Source: ADA Standards
- Walking surface slopes on accessible routes: generally not steeper than 1:20, with minimum clear widths commonly 36 inches in many cases. Source: ADA Standards
- Detectable warnings: truncated-dome panels are typically required at curb ramps or blended transitions, covering the ramp width and placed just back from the curb line with specific dome sizes and spacing. Source: Access Board PROWAG
Massillon enforces its own construction specifications for sidewalks, curbs, and driveway approaches through its permitting and inspection process. Expect your contractor to match adjoining sidewalk grades and follow city forms, thicknesses, and subgrade prep.
Programs, costs, and timing
Massillon runs a sidewalk, curb, and driveway approach replacement program. Availability and deadlines vary by year. As of a city update dated May 30, 2025, the 2025 program was closed. Check current status directly with Engineering. See the 919 Replacement Program page.
For planning purposes only, typical ranges can help you budget:
- Sidewalk replacement: often about 3 to 20 dollars per square foot, with many projects near 6 to 10 dollars per square foot depending on site conditions and specs. Reference: Forbes Home
- Driveway replacement: asphalt commonly about 3 to 15 dollars per square foot; concrete about 6 to 18 dollars per square foot, depending on thickness, reinforcement, and finish. Reference: HomeAdvisor
Permit and inspection fees are additional. Always get local quotes and confirm permit fees and timelines with the City before scheduling work.
Disclosures, liability, and closing impacts
You must complete Ohio’s Residential Property Disclosure Form and disclose known material defects within your actual knowledge. That can include trip hazards, heaving panels, drainage issues, or patchwork that affects safety or function. Review the statute that governs the disclosure form here: Ohio Revised Code 5302.30.
If you ignore a repair order, the City can perform the work and assess costs to your property under Ohio law. Those assessments can appear on title and be collected at closing. Learn more in Ohio Revised Code Chapter 729.
While you own the home, you are responsible for keeping adjoining sidewalks safe, including snow and ice removal. That duty continues during your listing period, so fix obvious hazards or disclose them clearly.
Seller checklist: smooth path to closing
- Walk the perimeter. Note cracks, height differences, steep driveway lips, or missing curb ramp panels.
- Check with the City. Ask Engineering about any notices, assessments, or required repairs.
- Price out fixes. Get quotes for sidewalk sections, driveway approach work, and any curb ramp adjustments.
- Pull permits early. Use licensed, bonded contractors for right-of-way work and schedule inspections.
- Disclose clearly. Document known defects on Ohio’s disclosure form and share permits or receipts with buyers.
- Plan the timeline. Build in cure periods for inspection items and allow for re-inspection if needed.
Handling accessibility requests during a sale
If a buyer requests an accessibility modification, first determine if the work is on private property or in the public right of way. Private work is generally the buyer’s responsibility after closing unless you agree otherwise. Right-of-way changes require City permits and must meet ADA-type standards.
The Fair Housing Act prohibits disability-based discrimination in sales, and HUD provides guidance on reasonable modifications and accommodations in housing contexts. If questions arise, coordinate with your agent and attorney. Read HUD’s overview of reasonable accommodations and modifications.
Ready to list with confidence? If you want a quick, clean sale, put sidewalks and driveway approaches on your prep list early. With the right permits, a bonded contractor, and clear disclosures, you can minimize risk and keep your deal moving.
If you are planning to sell in Massillon and want a fast, practical plan for handling sidewalk and driveway issues, reach out to Aiden Avtgis for local guidance and a responsive listing strategy.
FAQs
Who pays to fix a broken sidewalk in Massillon?
- The abutting property owner is responsible for maintenance and repairs; the City can enforce and assess costs if the owner does not act.
Do you need a permit to fix a driveway approach or sidewalk in Massillon?
- Yes. Work in the public right of way requires a City permit, inspections, and a licensed, bonded contractor.
Do you have to make a private home ADA-compliant to sell it?
- No. Private residences are not treated like public facilities under the ADA, but right-of-way work must meet accessibility standards.
Can the City assess costs if you ignore a sidewalk repair notice?
- Yes. The City can perform the work and assess the costs to your property, which may affect closing.
Are detectable warnings required on curb ramps in front of homes?
- In the public right of way at many crossings, yes. Replacements and new ramps typically require truncated-dome detectable warnings placed per federal and city specs.
