Sidewalk Responsibility

Damaged sidewalks, including cracked, raised, sunken, or uneven sections, can create tripping hazards and safety concerns for pedestrians. Yuba County follows the California Streets and Highways Code 5610 (Maintenance of Sidewalks) and Yuba County Sidewalk Repair Ordinance No. 1593, Section 11.28.060(a). Under these regulations, property owners are responsible for maintaining any sections of public sidewalk adjacent to their property. This responsibility typically includes sidewalk sections adjacent to the front yard and sidewalk areas that connect to driveways. For some properties, such as corner lots or parcels that back up to a public street, maintenance responsibilities may also include sidewalks along the side or rear or the property. 

Maintenance often involves both repair and replacement activities to ensure that the sidewalk remains in a condition that is not dangerous to property owners or members of the general public who use the sidewalk in a reasonable manner. Maintenance and repair activities may include, but are not limited to:

  • Removal and replacement of raised, cracked, sunken or uneven sidewalk sections
  • Removal and filling or replacement of parking strips
  • Removal of weeds and/or debris
  • Supervision and maintenance of signs allowed pursuant to Chapter 11.27
  • Tree root pruning and installation of root barriers
  • Trimming of shrubs and/or ground cover hardscapes

*Temporary repairs, such as fillers or covers, are not considered permanent solutions.

Requirements

Public sidewalks are typically located in areas designated as public right-of-way, which provides public access for roadways and pedestrian paths. Any construction activities that propose improvements in the public right-of-way are required to obtain an encroachment permit. An encroachment permit must be obtained prior to starting any repairs. All repairs must meet County Standards set forth in the Yuba County Standard Plans, Sidewalk and Driveway Repair Detail, and Sidewalk Repair Specifications.

Can I complete the sidewalk repairs myself?

In most cases, property owners choose to hire a contractor to perform the necessary repairs to any existing sidewalk selections. A property owner who owns and lives on the property adjacent to the proposed sidewalk may choose to complete the work. Construction activities within the public right-of-way can present a series of challenges. By choosing to perform the work themselves, the owner is agreeing to physically perform all activities including the saw cutting, removal and disposal of materials, pouring of concrete, and finishing of the new concrete themselves. It is recommended that an owner/builder avoid this option unless they've been able to obtain the adequate training and experience. 

Report a Sidewalk Problem

To report a damaged sidewalk:

Frequently Asked Questions

Sidewalk inspections are performed when a citizen reports a defective sidewalk. The report may have been associated with the sidewalk in front of your property or in front of a nearby property. Once reported, the County inspects all sidewalks, curbs, and gutters up to 75 feet in both directions from the site of the reported defective sidewalk.

If repairs are required, Public Works will provide written notification to the adjacent property owner and oversee the repair process. Under Yuba County Ordinance No. 1593, required sidewalk repairs must generally be completed within 60 days of notification. An extension of up to 90 days may be granted by the Director of Public Works when sufficient cause exists.

If you have received a sidewalk repair notice, contact Public Works at [email protected] or 530-749-5420 as soon as possible so staff can assist you through the repair process.
The sidewalk is in the County’s right-of-way. However, California Streets and Highways Code sections 5610 through 5618 allow Counties throughout California to require property owners to maintain the sidewalks in front of their property. Yuba County's Code section 11.28.060 sets forth the County's procedures under these sections. Yuba County is not the only jurisdiction to require sidewalk repairs to be the property owner’s responsibility. As the property owner may bear civil liability for a person suffering personal injury or property damage caused by a defective sidewalk: it is in the property owners’ best interest to maintain the sidewalk and reduce the risk of a lawsuit.

Some cracks may not appear significant at the surface, but they can allow water to pool or seep beneath the concrete, potentially causing further damage. The surface may also become uneven, slippery, or develop other defects. A “defective sidewalk” means a sidewalk where, in the judgment of the inspector, the vertical or horizontal line of grade is altered or displaced, or another condition exists that interferes with the public convenience in the use of the sidewalk.

County inspectors use the following criteria to determine whether a sidewalk is defective. Deficiencies that warrant repair may include, but are not limited to:

  1. Vertical separation of more than one-half (1/2) inch.
  2. Holes or openings in a break or construction joint of one (1) inch or more.
  3. Breaking away or spalling of concrete with a depth of more than one-half (1/2) inch.
  4. A dip in the sidewalk that causes water to pond and may create a slipping hazard.
  5. Settlement that causes the longitudinal slope to exceed 5%.