Public Works Department
The Public Works Department (email here) is responsible for the maintenance, planning, and administration of the City's infrastructure. This infrastructure includes city roadways, waterlines, sewers, curbs, and sidewalks. Other responsibilities of the department include stormwater and floodplain management.
General Services, Water Treatment, and Wastewater Treatment all fall under the jurisdiction of Public Works.
Annual Request for Statements of Qualifications for Professional Services
Please select the link above for the application and further information.
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
Sealed bids for the 2026 Washington Road Improvement Project will be received by the City of Norwalk, Ohio, 38 Whittlesey Avenue, until 10:00 a.m. EST, March 6, 2026 at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bid opening will take place in the Conference Room at City Hall, 38 Whittlesey Avenue.
A bid packet consisting of a digital flash drive of the detailed plans, specifications and contract documents may be obtained or examined at the office of the Public Works Director, 38 Whittlesey Ave., Norwalk, Ohio 44857. A payment of Ten Dollars ($10.00) will be required for each set of plans, specifications and contract documents. Checks shall be made payable to CITY OF NORWALK and all documents become the property of the prospective Bidder, with no portion of said payment being refunded.
Successful Bidder must be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, which prohibits discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, handicap, political affiliation or beliefs. The City of Norwalk, Ohio is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Attention of bidders is called to all of the requirements contained in this bid packet, particularly to the Wage Rates, various insurance requirements, various equal opportunity provisions, and the requirement of the payment bond and performance bond for hundred percent (100%) of the contract price.
Attention of bidders is called to Ohio revised Code Section 153.12 which states that NO contract shall be entered into if the price of the Bids for the project, are in excess of ten percent (10%) above the Engineer’s estimate.
The City of Norwalk reserves the right to waive any informalities or to reject any or all bids. The City of Norwalk may, at its discretion, award a contract to the lowest and best bidder.
BY ORDER OF THE CITY OF NORWALK, OHIO –
Public Works Director
Ordinance No: 2026-008
Passed: January 20, 2026
Advertise:
February 13, 2026
February 20, 2026
February 27, 2026
Annual Projects
Sidewalk Program
Maintaining sidewalks is an essential part of city infrastructure for transportation, recreation, safety, and aesthetic purposes. Maintenance of sidewalks is the responsibility of the owner of the property abutting the sidewalk. Approximately one mile of walks are upgraded each year with this program.
The City is divided into quadrants, with a different quadrant addressed each year for repair and/or replacement of hazardous sidewalks. Sidewalks within that quadrant are inspected and marked for repair/replacement as necessary. Property owners are notified by certified mail of any necessary repairs. Owners are given the option of having the repairs made themselves or reimbursing the City (via tax assessments) for making the repairs.
Street Resurfacing & Concrete Repair Program
A list of streets that need repair is created based upon annual inspections combined with an independent third party scoring all streets. The funding for this comes from a one-quarter percent income tax which generates $300,000 worth of resurfacing annually. A typical year will see 10 to 15 streets resurfaced.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Project
The City applies for this grant every year, selecting a project that meets CDBG requirements. Federal funding is supplemented with local funds. Currently the City is committed to multiple phases of a sewer separation project in the Wooster/Marshall Street area.
Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) Project
This yearly project takes place on a major route and ranges from $400,000 to $600,000 in cost. Examples of past CDBG projects include four phases of Cline Street and five phases of E. Main Street. In ADDITION to this state funding, the City supplements these projects with local funds.
Home Repair
Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP) administers the Community Housing Impact & Preservation (CHIP) Home Repair program on behalf of Huron County and the City of Norwalk. CHIP provides home repair assistance for a variety of needs, including furnace replacements; water heater replacements; roof replacements; electrical upgrades; plumbing upgrades and ADA modifications. For more details on how to apply visit: www.glcap.org/homerepair
Current Road Construction
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City of Norwalk Engineering Standards
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Right-of-Way Construction Permit Application
Floodplain Management
Floodplain management means the operation of an overall program of corrective and preventive measures for reducing flood damage, including but not limited to emergency preparedness plans, flood control works, and floodplain management regulations.
Flood damage can be significantly reduced when development is not placed in harm’s way or is appropriately protected from flood hazards. Properly managed floodplains can increase property values and expand recreational opportunities, while reducing direct and indirect costs associated with flood hazards, erosion, and stormwater; improving groundwater recharge and water quality; and providing valuable wildlife habitat.
If you are in a floodplain and plan on filling or building, please contact the Public Works Department at (419) 663-6735.
To determine if your property is within a floodplain, go to http://msc.fema.gov/portal and type in your address.
What is a Floodplain?
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Norwalk Creek Maintenance For Homeowners
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FEMA National Flood Insurance Program
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Stormwater Management
Definition:
A storm water utility, like other utilities, provides a service to the public, supported by charging fees to its customers. Stormwater utility fees operate and maintain the existing system and may be able to finance capital improvements. User charges provide a consistent, predictable, long-term revenue source.
What the Utility Pays For:
Items addressed in the storm water management plan (effectively "unfunded mandates") include:
• Inspection
• Mapping
• Infrastructure Projects
• Maintenance of Existing System
- pipes, catch basins, manholdes, detention ponds, outfalls, headwalls, culverts, bridges
More specifically, this fund will go toward reducing infiltration in the existing storm sewers and create separate sewers for areas that are still combined. By doing this, basement floodings and backups can be reduced.
Environmental Concerns
Illicit Discharge Information