Annapolis, MD Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)
Key Facts
- Repairs/reconstruction
- City repairs, per § 14.04.010(B)
- Funding
- Annual Sidewalk Fund fee, owners
- Owner duty
- Clear debris/snow, notify Director
- Self-repair option
- Owner may repair at own expense
- First installation
- Owner's duty when Director orders
Summary
Annapolis, not the abutting owner, repairs and reconstructs sidewalks on the right-of-way once the Director of Public Works finds repair necessary for public safety, funded by an annual fee owners pay into the Sidewalk Fund.
The City of Annapolis shall repair and reconstruct all sidewalks located upon the City right-of-way or upon private property when those sidewalks have been traditionally used by the general public and when it has been determined by the Director of Public Works that those sidewalks are necessary for the public convenience and safety.C.The property owner may choose to reconstruct or repair the sidewalk at the owner's expense, but must still comply with the specifications in Sections 14.04.030, with the permitting requirements of Section 14.04.020, and with the inspection requirements of Section 14.04.080. (Ord. O-12-07 Amended § 1 (part), 2007)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 2025 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Duties split by task. The City repairs and reconstructs sidewalks on the right-of-way, or on private property the public has traditionally used, once the Director of Public Works determines repair is needed for public convenience and safety (§ 14.04.010(B)): paid for through an annual Sidewalk Fund fee charged to each abutting owner (§ 14.04.090). Owners install the first sidewalk when the Director orders it in writing (§ 14.04.030) and must keep an existing sidewalk clear of debris and snow, barricade any hazardous section, provide night lighting, and notify the Director when repair is needed (§ 14.04.050). An owner may instead repair or reconstruct at their own expense, but must still meet the § 14.04.030 specifications, obtain a § 14.04.020 permit, and pass § 14.04.080 inspection.
Violations & Fines
Failing to keep a sidewalk clear, barricade a hazardous section, or notify the Director of needed repair is a municipal infraction with a fine set annually by the City Council (§ 14.04.070(A)).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays to fix a broken sidewalk in Annapolis?
Can a property owner repair their own sidewalk?
What must an owner do if a sidewalk is unsafe?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Annapolis
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