Sidewalk Safety

Per City ordinance, it is the duty of all owners of property adjoining any street in the City to maintain in good repair and safe condition the sidewalks in front of the property. If the owner of any lot or part thereof or parcel of land allows any sidewalk along the same to become out of repair, it is the duty of the City Engineer, his/her deputy, or any persons appointed by the Council for that purpose, to give notice to the owner of the property adjacent to the defective sidewalk to repair it. Chapter 14.16.060 of the City's Municipal Code establishes a property owner's responsibility for repair and liability in case of an accident.

Once a sidewalk defect has been identified and property owner notified, if the owner, agent, or occupant of any lot or part thereof, or parcel of land fails, neglects, or refuses to make the sidewalk repairs within the time designated, the City may contract to have the work done and the property owner may be assessed a lien.