Albany, NY Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)
Key Facts
- Who repairs
- Owner of the abutting house or lot
- Penalty for neglect
- $5 per day of violation
- City notice period
- 10 days before city repairs
- If owner doesn't act
- City repairs and bills owner
- Governing authority
- Laws of 1883, Ch. 298
Summary
Albany City Code makes the owner of any house, building, or lot responsible for keeping the street and sidewalk in front of it, up to the center line, in good repair, backed by a $5-per-day penalty for neglect.
The owner of any house, other building or lot fronting upon any street in this City shall, at his own proper charge and expense, keep and maintain in good repair, and level, pitch and pave so much of said street to the middle thereof, as lies in front of his said house, building or lot, and repair so much of the same as may be from time to time taken up for making drains or sewers, and shall perform the duties imposed by this section at such times and in such manner as shall be required by law; and if any such owner shall refuse, neglect or delay to perform any of the aforesaid duties, when so required, he shall incur a penalty of $5 for each day's neglect or refusal so to comply with such requirements.
§ 323-20. Refusal of owner to repair street.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4873446; v61 updated 2026-03-18; through 03-18-2026).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 323-19 puts sidewalk and street repair on the abutting property owner, not the City: owners must keep the street fronting their lot, including the sidewalk, 'in good repair,' level, pitched, and paved, at their own expense, and must redo any part disturbed for drain or sewer work. Refusal or neglect draws a $5-per-day penalty. Under § 323-20, if the Commissioner of Public Works notifies an owner and the work still isn't done within 10 days, the City completes the repair itself without bidding it out and bills the owner for the cost, under authority from Title 10 of Chapter 298 of the Laws of 1883.
Violations & Fines
Neglect or refusal draws a $5 penalty per day under § 323-19. After 10 days' unheeded notice from the Commissioner of Public Works, the City does the repair and bills the owner, per § 323-20.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has to repair a sidewalk in Albany?
What if I ignore a sidewalk repair notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Albany
New York rules heatmap·Compare Albany to another location·View the New York sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Sidewalk Repair in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Albany County handle sidewalk repair.