Bellevue, NE Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)

Section 28-27, Duty of Property Owners to Maintain Sidewalks, requires the owner of any land, lot or parcel to keep and maintain all sidewalks in the sidewalk space abutting or adjacent to that property in good and proper repair and in a condition reasonably safe for pedestrian travel at all times. Enforcement runs through section 28-29: when the city council considers repair necessary for public health, safety or welfare, it can adopt a resolution ordering the owner to construct, repair, replace or otherwise improve the sidewalk to the city's specifications, but only after the property has first been posted for at least seven days with a public works director's notice that the sidewalk condition threatens public health, safety or welfare.

Once the resolution issues, section 28-29(B)(1) gives the owner at least 30 days from notice to complete the work, unless the council finds an immediate threat justifies a shorter deadline. If the owner does not finish the ordered work in time, the city council may complete the work itself or contract it out, then either create a sidewalk district and specially assess the cost against the abutting lots under section 28-31, or specially assess the cost directly against the property. Costs recoverable this way include engineering and survey fees, wages and benefits, administrative costs and attorneys' fees.

Separately, section 28-28 requires anyone who repairs or substantially reconstructs a sidewalk on their own initiative to first get a permit from the Permits and Inspections Department, with an on-site inspection at least 24 hours before concrete is poured.