Anaheim, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)

California Streets and Highways Code Section 5610 places the duty to maintain, repair, and reconstruct sidewalks, curbs, and driveway aprons on the owner of the adjacent property, not on the city. Cities can modify this allocation by ordinance but Anaheim has generally maintained the state default, except where damage is clearly caused by a city-owned street tree or other public infrastructure. Under AMC Title 10, when Anaheim Public Works inspectors identify a defective sidewalk (typical triggers include vertical displacements of 3/4 inch or more, severe cracking, broken panels, or tripping hazards) the city issues a written notice to the property owner requiring repair within a specified time, often 30 to 60 days. If the owner does not repair, the city may perform the work under Streets and Highways Code Sections 5610 through 5618 and bill the owner, placing an assessment lien on the property if unpaid. Anaheim also operates a cost-sharing program where damage caused by a city-maintained parkway tree may qualify for partial or full city funding, and permits for sidewalk repair work are required from Public Works (curb-and-gutter permits are generally issued at low cost to homeowners). Owners are also liable in tort for injuries caused by known defects under California Government Code Section 835 case law that has extended premises liability to adjacent walks when the owner has altered the sidewalk or benefits specially from it.