Storm Lake’s annual sidewalk inspection program is set to begin later this month, and city officials are reminding residents what to expect as crews move through the community.
The 2026 inspections start April 27, with work scheduled in Zone 5 and Zone 1.
Zone 1—the downtown area—is inspected every year. Zone 5 covers much of the east side of Storm Lake and is part of the city’s rotating inspection cycle.
The city says the goal of the program is simple: keeping sidewalks safe and walkable. Inspectors will be looking for trip hazards, broken panels, and other issues that could pose a risk to pedestrians.
When a problem is found, the city will send a notice of violation to the property owner—not to tenants—within 30 days of the inspection. From there, owners have 60 days to make repairs.
City staff use color‑coded markings to show who is responsible for what.
Green paint marks areas the property owner must fix.
Orange paint marks repairs the city will handle on public walks.
The city is also asking property owners to return their violation notice before beginning any work. Notices can be dropped off at City Hall, mailed, placed in the drop box, or submitted through the online link included in the letter sent to property owners. Staff say returning the notice helps them track repairs and close out violations more efficiently.
Officials also stress that property owners are required to maintain the sidewalk next to or in front of their property—and removing a sidewalk entirely is not an acceptable way to resolve a violation.
The city says the inspection program is designed to keep Storm Lake’s pedestrian network in good condition and to give property owners clear notice when repairs are needed. The goal is to reduce injuries and ensure safe routes throughout the community.
A full zoning map of the five sidewalk zones is posted with this story on stormlakeradio.com.
