Ludington council to consider changing sidewalk ordinance for new homes.

Ludington council to consider changing sidewalk ordinance for new homes.

LUDINGTON — The City Council will take action on making its new construction sidewalk ordinance a little more flexible. The current ordinance requires property owners building a new home to install a new sidewalk with no exceptions.

The proposed amendments would allow the city’s zoning administrator to grant an exemption from the requirement if certain practical difficulties are encountered in constructing a new sidewalk, former City Manager John Shay wrote in a memorandum to the board on July 6. “Such practical difficulties could be the presence of a significant grade, which would require a retaining wall, or the presence of public utilities, such as a power pole, or other natural features that make it difficult and/or significantly expensive to install a sidewalk.” Shay added that the city pays for 50 percent of new sidewalk installation.

A property owner would have the option to appeal the decision of the zoning administrator to a committee consisting of the city manager, building inspector and department of public works administrator.

City Council meets today at 6:30 p.m. at city hall, 400 S. Harrison St., for its regular meeting.