Full question:
I am being required to repair sidewalks adjacent to a property I own. How can a municipality tell you to repair property that is not owned by you and is not a legal part of your deed?
- Category: Government
- Date:
- State: National
Answer:
The responsibility for repairing sidewalks next to a property varies by local ordinances. In some areas, municipalities have sidewalk repair programs to help homeowners with repair costs. I recommend contacting your city hall or building department for the specific local ordinances that apply to your situation.
For example, some ordinances state that property owners must construct and maintain sidewalks, curbs, and gutters adjacent to their property. If a property owner fails to repair these, the municipality may issue a written notice requiring repairs within thirty days. If the owner does not comply, the municipality can perform the repairs and charge the costs to the property owner (see local ordinance 5202 and 5203).
Additionally, all new sidewalks must be made of specific materials and meet certain standards, such as thickness and width (see local ordinance 5204). For detailed information, refer to your local laws or consult with a legal professional.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.