FAQs
Engineering
Who is responsible for the sidewalk in front of my house?
Under State law, the property owner is responsible for
the repair and maintenance of sidewalks. Any property owner, who fails
to maintain their sidewalk in a safe condition, is considered negligent
in their duties as a property owner and is liable for injuries which
may occur due to it's lack of maintenance.
It is further required that property owners or renters of property
within the City of Brookings shovel the snow from their sidewalk to
allow for pedestrian passage. If ice and snow build up, the property
owner must make every effort to clear it. Salt, sand, or other materials
may be used to prevent the sidewalk from becoming slippery.
Who is responsible for the water and sewer service lines
leading to my home?
The property owner is responsible for all piping and appurtenances,
which are not part of the water or sewer main. Problems such as water
leaks, broken or inoperable water shut-offs, blockages, or freezing
which can occur in the service lines, are the responsibility of the
property owner or tenant. Contact Brookings Municipal Utilities at 692-6325
for assistance.
How do I get settled curb adjacent to my property repaired?
The City budgets for curb and gutter replacement annually. The current
City policy is to repair areas, which are also going through our normal
patching and chip-sealing program. Other areas will be looked at, but
unless a serious safety hazard requires immediate attention, that area
will be completed with the patch and sealing project. Contact the Engineering
Department at 692-6629 for information or email us with your request
or question.
What can I do about my neighbor's drainage coming onto
my property?
There is no ordinance that directly deals with property owners' rights
in this situation. It is recommended that the property owners try to
work out a mutually beneficial solution between them. Normally, a drainage
swale can be created on the property between the homes to direct the
drainage to the street or backyard and away from structures. If a solution
cannot be agreed upon and one property owner feels that they are being
damaged by the other property owner, it is a civil matter, which may
require appropriate legal counsel to resolve.
Who is responsible for street lights?
The City of Brookings owns and maintains street lights. If you notice
that a street light is out, please contact 692-6325 with the location.
The necessary repair will be made as soon as possible.
Who will locate my property lines?
There are some local engineering firms that provide surveying services
for private landowners. Licensed land surveyors are listed in the yellow
pages under Surveyors-land, or you may contact the Engineer's Office at
692-6629 for a complete list. The City does not provide this service
for private landowners.
How can I get my alley paved?
Many neighborhoods have decided that they would like to have a paved
alley. The City does not pay for these improvements. However, the City
will provide for an assessment project to get the work done.
If a neighborhood is interested in paving their alley, someone in the
neighborhood must circulate a petition (pick it up at the City Engineering
Office) to adjacent landowners to find out who is interested in paying
for the improvements. If the owners of more than half of the alley frontage
are not interested in paying for the improvements, the project may not
continue.
Upon determining that a majority of the owners are willing to pay for
the improvements, the neighborhood can contact the City Engineering
Department and present the petition. A public hearing in front of the
City Council will be held on the alley assessment project. If the Council
approves the assessment, it will go to construction. Each adjacent property
owner will be assessed a proportionate share of the cost.
Do I need a permit for a driveway?
Yes. For more information, contact 692-6629.
Which building code does the City of Brookings follow?
2006 International Building Code and 2006 International Residential Code
Do I need a permit to re-shingle my roof?
no.
Do I need a building permit for a shed?
That depends on the size of the shed. Call the City Engineer's Office at 692-6629.
Can I rent out a room or my house anywhere in Brookings?
Yes, but check with City Engineer's office to see if you must obtain
a rental housing license.
Where do I go to get a variance?
You must go before the Board of Adjustment. Come to the City Engineer's
Office at 311 3rd Avenue to get an application.
How can we get our neighbor to clean up his messy yard?
Call in a complaint to the City Engineer's Office at 311 3rd Avenue.
Why is that pink paint on my sidewalk?
Your sidewalk needs to be replaced. Call the City Engineer's Office at 692-6629.
Do I need a permit to put a fence in my yard?
You do not need a permit, but there are regulations you must follow. Call the City Engineer's Office at 692-6629.
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