Sidewalk Repair Program
Repairing Sidewalks
Sidewalk maintenance and repair is the responsibility of the adjacent private property owner. However, upon request, the City will place an asphalt patch to address trip and fall hazards caused by uplifted sidewalk panels until permanent concrete repairs can be made by the property owner.City Code 13-32
Report Uplifted Sidewalk
To report an uplifted sidewalk, please call 707-543-3881.Frequently Asked Questions
Click on the question below to view the response.
State law and City code 13-32 identify the property owner as fully responsible for keeping sidewalks in safe condition. However, as a proactive measure and to ensure that identified lifted areas are responded to quickly, the temporary asphalt patching is provided by the City at no cost to the property owners.
The asphalt patches are intended to remove trip hazards in the direction of sidewalk travel and smooth out the change in grade in those damaged lifted sidewalk conditions. The temporary repair may not meet the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) requirements or California Build Code (CBC); it is solely intending to remove the potential trip hazard until the responsible party can make the permanent sidewalk repair
If a lift or hole is reported, the City will send out a crew to apply a temporary asphalt patch to the damaged/uplifted sections as necessary at no cost to the property owner. The property owner is responsible for the repair costs of removing and replacing the sidewalk if necessary, in order to comply with the applicable code requirements (ADA and CBC).
Look for uplifted, cracked or deteriorated sidewalk. To report any broken or lifted sidewalk or to report a drop or hole within the sidewalk/planter area next to parking, visit https://srcity.org/515/Report-a-Problem-Online or call 707-543-3881.
You do not need to get a contractor and property owners may chose perform the work themselves; however, it is recommended that a licensed contractor be hired to complete the work per City standards. An encroachment permit is required in advance regardless of who is completing the work. Visit https://srcity.org/PED or call 707-543-3200 for information on permit requirements, fees, inspections, etc.
No, since the property owner is ultimately responsible for the condition of the sidewalk fronting the property or parcel.
The program does not offer pre-construction inspections at this time.
No. City employees are not permitted to give names of any professional service, as this can be viewed as giving preference to one professional over another. However, there are Contractor/Builder Exchanges you can contact or you can search the website of the Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board at http://www.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/ZipCodeSearch.aspx,
search for a License Classification of "C-8 - Concrete Contractor" if it is only sidewalk work being performed.
Yes. If a hazardous sidewalk defect in front of your house causes a person to trip, and the person is injured, both the property owner & the City could potentially be sued. Pursuant to Santa Rosa City Code section 13-32.020(C), the property owner has a duty to maintain the sidewalk in front of their house in a non-dangerous condition. The City is not liable for injuries sustained by a third party which results from an improperly maintained sidewalk, pursuant to Santa Rosa City Code section 13-32.020(D).
Yes, all public sidewalks are under ADA requirements, the City also utilizes the California Building Code (CBC) for review of compliance of the sidewalks.
The property owner is responsible for maintaining their landscaping as well as the sidewalk, including street trees. The tree can be removed under the same encroachment permit for the sidewalk work. The tree may need to be replaced with another tree from the City approved tree list and details and this would be determined through the permitting process. The Parks Department can be contacted at (707) 543-3770 for information on tree removal and replacement options in your area.