Auburn, AL Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Sec. 21-92
- Who repairs
- Whoever caused the damage
- Approval needed
- City engineer-approved plans
- Permit required
- Before starting repair work, Sec. 21-93
- State authority
- Code of Ala. § 11-49-2
Summary
Whoever damages a section of public sidewalk, curb or gutter in Auburn must replace it entirely and restore it to original or better condition, per Sec. 21-92, under plans approved by the city engineer. A permit and final inspection by the city engineer are required before and after the work.
Any person who damages any section of sidewalk and/or curb and gutter within the rights-of-way of the city, shall replace the same in its entirety and shall restore the same to its original, or better condition, in accordance with plans and specifications approved by the city engineer and to the satisfaction of the city engineer.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 90).
Full Breakdown
Section 21-92 places the repair duty on 'any person who damages any section of sidewalk and/or curb and gutter within the rights-of-way of the city,' requiring full replacement of that damaged section, not a patch, restored to original or better condition and built to plans and specifications the city engineer approves. The definitions in Sec. 21-91 clarify that a 'section' runs between expansion joints, groove joints or other dividing lines that let a clean, neat abutment form between new and existing sidewalk or curb and gutter, and 'damage' includes cracks, breaks, chips, settlements or any appreciable movement of that section.
Before starting repairs, Sec. 21-93 requires the responsible party to notify the city engineer and obtain a permit, then notify the engineer again at completion so the finished work can be inspected. If a person who caused the damage does not repair it as Sec. 21-92 requires, Sec. 21-94 lets the city engineer serve written notice of the violation, and continued noncompliance leads to a citation ordering an appearance before the municipal judge. § 11-49-2, referenced in the division's footnote.
Violations & Fines
Failing to repair a damaged sidewalk section after written notice under Sec. 21-94 is an offense against the city; upon conviction the responsible party is punished under Sec. 1-9's general penalty schedule plus the city's cost of repairing the damage, per Sec. 21-95.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the homeowner always responsible for sidewalk repair in Auburn?
Do I need a permit to fix a cracked sidewalk in Auburn?
What happens if damaged sidewalk isn't fixed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Auburn
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