Albany, OR Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)

AMC § 14.16.010 makes it the duty of all owners of land adjoining any street in the City of Albany, Oregon to maintain in good repair the sidewalks in front of the land. The City Council holds the power to determine the grade and width of sidewalks, the material to be used, and the specifications for repair. AMC § 14.16.060 adds liability: the owner or owners of land adjoining any street are liable to any person suffering injury by reason of any defect in the sidewalks in front of the land.

When a sidewalk falls out of repair, the City Engineer, a deputy, or a person appointed by the Council gives notice to the owner (AMC § 14.16.020). The notice is mailed by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, to the record owner or the owner's agent at the address on the Linn County real property tax assessment rolls. It has to describe the real property by street address or otherwise, direct the owner to repair within 60 calendar days from date of receipt, describe the work to be done, and state that the City can correct the deficiency and assess the cost against the adjacent real property. An error in the owner's name or address does not void the notice.

Before starting work, the owner, agent or occupant obtains a permit from the City Engineer, which prescribes the kind of repair, the material and the specifications (AMC § 14.16.030). If the owner fails, neglects or refuses to repair within the time designated, the City Engineer makes the repair, keeps an accurate account of labor and materials for each lot, and reports the cost to the Council (AMC § 14.16.040). At least once each year the Council assesses by ordinance the cost of repairs, including legal, administrative and engineer costs, on the lots fronting the repaired sidewalks. The assessments are entered in the docket of City liens and collected in the same manner as local improvement assessments (AMC § 14.16.050).

Snow and ice are a separate duty. Under AMC § 7.68.010, no owner, lessee, occupant, or person having control or custody of any premises or unimproved property can let snow or ice remain on the abutting sidewalks more than two hours after it has ceased to fall. If it falls or accumulates after 6:00 p.m., it has to be removed by 7:30 a.m. the following day.