Walks are where winter falls happen, so we build them to shed meltwater and give boots some grip. Panels that lift every spring are replaced on a drained gravel base. Work on a public sidewalk goes through the municipal Right of Way Section.
Walkways are where most winter falls happen, so we build them with ice in mind. That starts with slope. A walk needs enough cross fall that meltwater runs off during the day instead of sitting and refreezing at night. It should not pass under a roof edge or a downspout. And it needs a broom finish cut across the direction of travel so boots have something to grip.
Width matters more here than in a warm city. A walk has to fit a snow shovel or a blower, and there has to be somewhere beside it to put the snow. We usually suggest four feet for a front walk. Under it goes the same drained gravel base as a driveway, because a walk on topsoil will heave and leave a lip at every joint by the second spring.
A public sidewalk along the street sits in the municipal right of way, and work there is handled through the Development Services Right of Way Section. Anchorage code also makes the occupant of the land next to a public sidewalk responsible for clearing snow and ice from it. For a walk on your own lot there is normally no building permit as long as it is not more than 30 inches above grade.
Sidewalks & walkways in Anchorage: common questions
Why does my front walk have a raised edge every spring?
Frost lifts the panels unevenly and they do not always settle back. It usually means the base under the walk holds water. A raised edge can be ground down for a season or two, but replacing the panels on a gravel base is the lasting fix.
Who has to clear the sidewalk in front of my house in Anchorage?
Anchorage Municipal Code 24.80.090 puts snow and ice removal on the occupant of land next to a public sidewalk. Ask the municipality how the rule applies on your street, since the city also clears many sidewalks itself.
Can you add heat to a walkway?
Snow-melt tubing or cable can be cast into a new walk or set of steps. It has to be planned before the pour, and it needs a boiler or an electrical circuit sized for it, so an HVAC or electrical contractor is part of that job.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We visit and measure.
- Written quote: Clear pricing with finish options.
- Prep & forms: We excavate, grade, compact the base and set forms and reinforcement.
- Pour, finish & cure: We pour, finish, cut control joints and tell you when you can use it.