Chico, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)
Key Facts
- Duty holder
- Owner of lot fronting sidewalk
- Repair window
- 30 days after notice
- City default remedy
- City repairs, liens property
- Governing chapter
- CMC Ch. 14.20
Summary
Chico property owners must keep the sidewalk fronting their lot safe and in repair, or the city will fix it and lien the property.
The owners of lots or portions of lots fronting on any portion of a public street or place, when that street or place is improved, or if and when, the area between the property line of the adjacent property and the street line is maintained as a park or parking strip, shall maintain any sidewalk in such condition that the sidewalk will not endanger persons or property, and maintain it in a condition which will not interfere with the public convenience in the use of those works or areas, save and except to those conditions created or maintained in, upon, along, or in connection with such sidewalk by any person other than the owner, under and by virtue of any permit or right granted to such person by law or by an authorized authority of the city in charge thereof, and such persons shall be under a like duty in relation thereto. (Prior code § 23.73 (Ord. 593 §3), Ord. 2268)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Supplement contains local legislation current through: Codified Resolution No. 53-26, adopted 7-14-26 and Ordinance No. 2622, adopted 6-2-26).
Full Breakdown
Under the Sidewalk Repair Ordinance, owners of lots fronting an improved public street must maintain any abutting sidewalk so it does not endanger persons or property and does not interfere with public use. If the public works director finds a sidewalk out of repair, the director notifies the owner, who has 30 days to complete repairs. If the owner fails to act, the director repairs it and the cost becomes a lien on the property.
Violations & Fines
Failure to repair within 30 days of notice lets the city complete the work and impose a lien for the full cost, collected like other city taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for fixing a broken sidewalk in Chico?
What happens if a Chico property owner ignores a sidewalk repair notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chico
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