Anne Arundel County, MD Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)
Key Facts
- Who orders repairs
- County Director of Public Works
- Owner pays
- Full cost plus overhead if County does it
- Compliance deadline
- At least 30 days from notice
- Unpaid bill deadline
- 30 days after billing
- Installment option
- Up to 5 annual payments
Summary
The County Director can order the abutting property owner to repair or rebuild a sidewalk at the owner's own expense, with 30 days to comply.
The Director may cause and direct the owner of real property that abuts a road to grade, lay out, pave, repave, construct, reconstruct, repair, extend, widen, straighten, or improve a sidewalk in accordance with the plans and specifications prepared by the Department if the Director determines that the work is required in the interest of public safety and welfare. Work required of a property owner under subsection (a) shall be done at the expense of the property owner after receipt of a notice from the Director to perform the work.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-93: County Code is current through May, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under § 13-2-205, the Director of Public Works may direct the owner of property abutting a road to grade, pave, repave, construct, reconstruct, repair, extend, widen, straighten, or improve the sidewalk in front of it whenever the work is needed for public safety. The order comes as a written notice specifying the work, methods, and materials, with at least 30 days to comply. This applies countywide, including unincorporated communities like Glen Burnie and Severna Park, where the County, not a city, is the only authority that issues these notices.
Violations & Fines
If the owner misses the deadline, the County can do the work itself or hire a contractor, then bill the owner. Unpaid bills after 30 days are collected under § 1-8-101, and the County may allow up to five annual installment payments if arranged before the work starts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the county fix sidewalks for free?
Can I appeal a sidewalk repair notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anne Arundel County
Compare Anne Arundel County to another location·View the Maryland sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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