GENERAL
INFORMATION
The City Engineer and engineering department prepare
construction plans, estimate proposed project costs, and prepare contracts
and specifications for street improvements, public utility installations
and various other public works projects. They maintain and update
city maps (zoning, land use, traffic, etc.), review land subdivision plots
and certified survey maps, plan street and alley lighting and inspect public
works construction.
The Engineering Department is located in
the City Administration Building located at 2424 15th Avenue. The
Engineering Department's office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If you need to get in touch with the Engineering
Department, please call 414-768-8053.
FENCES
& RETAINING WALLS
The Common Council has adopted an ordinance
regarding the construction and maintenance of retaining walls and fences.
In general, fences and retaining walls must be kept in good repair or removed.
Fences must be constructed of materials specifically manufactured for use
as a fence, such as chain link, split rail, or "board on board".
New retaining walls must be constructed of split face masonry block, natural
stone, pressure treated landscape timbers, or poured concrete if approved
by the City Engineer. New walls (constructed after adoption of the
ordinance) cannot be constructed of railroad ties, logs, pipes, metal,
or other materials. Walls cannot block drainage from adjacent properties.
The complete ordinance can be reviewed at City Hall or viewed on the website
under "Municipal Codes". A permit is required for fences and retaining
walls. Contact the Engineering Department at 768-8053 if you have
questions.
DOWNSPOUT
& SUMP PUMP DISCHARGE
The Municipal code requires that water be
discharged in a manner that does not create a public safety hazard, such
as icing of sidewalks or streets. Also per city code, downspouts
and sump pumps cannot be discharged in a manner which creates a nuisance
to a neighbor. Extension pipes on sump pumps and downspouts cannot
extend to your property line.
PROPERTY
MAINTENANCE
All homeowners in the City of South
Milwaukee should be aware of Chapter 21 of the Municipal Code, which addresses
property maintenance. In general, the Code requires that all buildings be kept
in a reasonably good state of maintenance and repair, and addresses the
condition of exterior walls, paint, roofs, gutters, decks, doors, and windows.
The Code also addresses exterior property conditions which requires keeping
property in a clean and sanitary condition, free from any accumulation of debris
and refuse, including bricks, blocks, lumber, branches, logs, etc.
Sidewalks, driveways, and lawns, must be kept in good condition. The
complete ordinance can be reviewed at City Hall. Generally, offenders of
this section of the Code are given 60 day orders to bring property conditions
into compliance with the ordinance (unless there is a safety concern which
requires compliance in a shorter time frame). Property owners who do not
comply are issued a citation to appear in Municipal Court with possible fines.
The city issues orders based on complaints received or during inspections of
problem areas. The Health and Inspection Departments will be reviewing
problems such as alleys, where many property owners neglect garages, fences, and
general maintenance. Are you a property who would receive compliments on
the conditions of your property, or one that neighbors complain about? If
you are the offender, bring your property into compliance before complaints
arise and orders are issued. Your cooperation makes South Milwaukee a
better place to live and adds to our "promising future"
