Riverside County, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)

California Streets and Highways Code §5610 establishes that property owners whose lots border public sidewalks are responsible for maintaining those sidewalks in a condition not dangerous to public use. This applies in unincorporated Riverside County as well as in cities. Common defects include concrete uplifts from tree roots, cracks wider than 1/2 inch, missing sections, and drainage failures. The county Transportation Department responds to complaints (via Code Enforcement or direct calls) by inspecting and issuing a 30-day repair notice to the property owner under §5611. If repairs are not completed, the county may perform the work and bill the owner, recording a lien on the property if unpaid. Repair permits are required when tree roots are the cause — an oak tree permit under Ord. 559 may be needed before root pruning or tree removal. Liability for trip-and-fall injuries is shared between the owner and the county under §5610, though judicial interpretations (Williams v. Foster) have generally placed primary liability on the county. The Americans with Disabilities Act and CBC Chapter 11B also apply to public sidewalks. Curb ramps, cross-slopes, and textured detectable warnings are required at intersections.