Services

Installation, Maintenance, and Enforcement

Public sidewalks are installed on all City of La Crosse streets, in accordance with Municipal Code and the Green Complete Streets Ordinance (Sec. 40-3,  40-14).

Public sidewalks are recommended by the Comprehensive Plan, the citywide Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan(PDF, 18MB), and the Safe Routes to School Plan(PDF, 9MB).

Public sidewalks allow and encourage the safest and most equitable use of public Right-of-Way by various modes of transportation, including but not limited to walking, wheeling, and biking.  They serve a vital role in ADA compliance in the public Right-of-Way.  The City of La Crosse has committed to ADA compliance through its ADA Transition Plan.  Sidewalks also provide opportunity for short or local trips to be made by foot, bicycle, or mobility device, reducing vehicle miles travelled.  

Committee for Citizens with Disabilities

Costs

Installation of new and infill public sidewalk is paid for 100% by Capital Improvement Budget funds.  The City of La Crosse does not levy special assessments to property owners or residents for either new or replacement sidewalk.  Sidewalks do not adversely affect property assessment/value, or cause any increase in taxes.  If you would like to prioritize installation of sidewalk, please contact your Alderperson to request a new Capital Improvement Plan project.

Maintenance & Replacement

Public sidewalks in the City of La Crosse are inspected by the Engineering Department.  This only includes sidewalks in the public right-of-way, not any sidewalks on private property.  Public sidewalk areas may include the sidewalk proper, lead walks (also known as carriage walks), and pedestrian ramps at intersection corners or midblock locations.

To report a sidewalk for inspection based on condition (broken, raised, or sunken) or for ADA compliance, please enter a service request.

If a private owner wishes to facilitate replacement of any public sidewalk, they must comply with requirements for bonding and insurance.  Property owners or residents must have their private contractor apply for an Excavation Permit.

By Municipal Code, all grades, elevations, and cross-slopes of sidewalk shall be approved by the Engineering Department.  Please call at least 48 hours prior to ordering and/or pouring any new concrete sidewalk, to have forms inspected and approved.

Inspection & Enforcement

Property owners must keep sidewalks clear of obstructions.  This includes any encroaching bushes or overhanging tree limbs.  Additionally, private property, such as signs, awnings, and tables & chairs at commercial properties must have a valid Revocable Occupancy Permit. 

Property owners must also keep sidewalks clear of snow and ice during the winter months.

For sidewalk information, by property, you can view the public Sidewalk and Curb Ramp Inventory map.  Please note that the map is subject to revision, and for specific details, you should contact the Engineering Department at (608) 789-7505.

Any party wishing to alter, remove, or install (new) any official traffic or parking signage must submit a Finding & Order application. Finding & Order requests may include, but not be limited to, STOP or YIELD signs, Time-limited Parking (e.g. 2-Hour), ADA Parking (non-Residential), Loading or No Parking zones, No Stopping or Standing zones, Bus Stops or Cab Stands, or Tow Away zones. Also included are turning rules (turn lanes), pedestrian crossing rules (e.g. mid-block crosswalks), and one-way streets or alleys. The first step in a finding and order application is a review of the traffic area by Engineering staff. Based upon review by the City Traffic Engineer, a finding and order document may be prepared.

Finding & Orders are managed by the Engineering Department, additionally reviewed by the Police Department, and submitted for approval to the Board of Public Works (BPW). All signage in the City of La Crosse shall conform to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).

If additional study is required beyond staff review and available data, a traffic study shall be conducted (separate application and fee). The observations and results of the study shall determine if a finding and order shall be prepared for installation, removal, or change of signing.

If a finding and order is approved by the BPW, a work order will be created for implementation. Included are tasks such as identifying sign locations, calling Diggers Hotline, and furnishing and installing official signing by the Street Department. Based upon workload and seasonal demands, the process may take an extended amount of time.

Please note that curb painting of any color to delineate parking is prohibited by law in the City of La Crosse, except as allowed by Ordinance in the downtown Central Business District.

• Traffic Parking Zone Request(PDF, 355KB)
• Parking Petition(PDF, 106KB)

Send completed applications to:

Engineering Department
400 La Crosse St.
La Crosse, WI 54601

engineering@cityoflacrosse.org

When is an application needed?

An application is required to begin the formal process of any vacation of any portion of a public way (street, alley, pedestrian mall, etc.).

This does not cover or include the declaration and/or sale of surplus lands, which is a different process.

Application Fees

A non-refundable fee is required for a private party or interest to initiate the vacation process.

• A partial (1/2 or less) vacation of a street or alley portion is $750.
• A full vacation of a street or alley is $1,500

Send completed applications to:

Engineering Department
400 La Crosse St.
La Crosse, WI 54601
engineering@cityoflacrosse.org

Regulations

See statutory requirements (§66.1003, Wis. Stats) and the City’s process.

Municipal Code

The Municipal Code of Ordinances of the City of La Crosse establishes guidance and governs requirements related to stormwater on private parcels and properties in the City of La Crosse.  Per the Code, the general purpose and intent is to establish long-term, post-construction runoff management requirements that will diminish the threats to public health, safety, and welfare and the aquatic environment.

The Municipal Code provides additional information regarding management plans, hydrologic units, watersheds, and various treatment methods and devices.  It also covers applicability, administration, and inspections.  The Stormwater Application process is overseen by the Engineering & Public Works Department, with post-construction enforcement by Stormwater Utility staff.

Two documents, below, are available to facilitate the Stormwater Permit Application process. 

• Stormwater Permit Application
• Stormwater Maintenance Agreement Form(PDF, 33KB)

Water Quality Management Letter ensures proposed sewer extensions or land uses adhere to local, regional, and state water quality standards (NR 110, Wis. Adm. Code). Evaluates if the development is within a designated sanitary sewer service area, aligns with population projections, and addresses environmental impacts. Required for Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) plan approval, covering commercial, industrial, and multifamily developments.

• Application for Water Quality Management(PDF, 478KB)