Sidewalk Maintenance: Who is Responsible for Maintaining Them?

Who is responsible for maintaining sidewalks?  It is ultimately the property owner’s responsibility to maintain the sidewalks regardless of who installs them (FCC 8-2-3-5).

• If the sidewalk adjoins private property, property owners must maintain the sidewalk.
• If the property owner is the City (unless it is leased property), then the City maintains the sidewalk.
• In addition to the sidewalks, the landscaped area between the curb and sidewalk are maintained by the adjoining property, including street trees.
• If the property is along Highway 101, the property owner is responsible.

Sidewalks have a way of tying together neighborhoods and adding curb appeal.  When sidewalks are good, the neighborhood becomes a more desirable place to live.  Sidewalks serve so many purposes: recreation and exercise space for joggers, or for families to play—whether children are in strollers or on tricycles and push toys, an informal meeting place for neighbors, and encouragement for people to make use of the most basic form of transportation—walking.

Common defects of sidewalks include separation or elevation changes.  Of primary importance are the things that cause people to trip and fall or stub toes, where the sidewalk is raised.  An elevated grade change as little as 1/4 inch can cause a person to trip and fall.   Other defects may includes holes, spalled (surface erosion) or chipped areas, wide cracks, deterioration, and areas that are damaged by tree roots.

Hazardous sidewalk conditions can be reported to Public Works by calling 541-997-4106, or by reporting a concern on the City’s website, www.ci.florence.or.us    Click on “Contact Us” at the top and fill out the form. 

Information received regarding hazardous sidewalk conditions in the City right-of-way at a specific location is directed to the Public Works Department.  A sidewalk inspection will be performed within 5 working days of a complaint, and the property owner(s) for the address(es) in which the hazard is located will be notified and given 60 days to repair the sidewalk.  If the complaint is based upon someone having tripped and fallen, the property owner will be given 20 working days to begin the repairs.

Be proud of your sidewalks—take care of them and enjoy them!