Coeur d'Alene, ID Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)

Chapter 12.20 of the Coeur d'Alene Municipal Code puts sidewalk construction and repair on the abutting owner. Section 12.20.010 makes it the duty of the city engineer or engineer's designee, whenever he or she deems it necessary, to require property owners within the corporate limits to construct permanent concrete sidewalks on streets abutting their property and to require all property owners to repair sidewalks on abutting streets. All work must follow city standard drawings and engineering specifications and the current Americans with disabilities act accessibility guidelines (ADAAG).

Section 12.20.100 sets the standing duty: the owner of all property within the city must maintain abutting sidewalks at all times in a safe and proper condition, whether or not he has received a notice from the city. The duty does not wait for a letter.

When the engineer decides a sidewalk needs work, section 12.20.030 requires a notice to the owner that describes the sidewalk, gives the address and legal description of the abutting property, describes the work and the time allowed, and warns that the city can order the work done and assess the cost against the real property. The engineer can allow up to 365 days after the date of the notice. Section 12.20.040 provides for service by United States mail, postage prepaid, to the owner's last known address or the address on the Kootenai County assessment rolls.

If the owner does not finish in time, section 12.20.060 lets the City Council cause the work to be done and assess the full cost against the abutting property. The amount becomes a lien, is certified to the county tax collector and is collected on the tax roll like other taxes. Under section 12.20.070 the assessment is a special assessment levied as a special tax and held in a special fund. Section 12.20.080 lets the owner pay the city treasurer the full amount to discharge the lien, and if it is not paid on or before August 20 following construction and repair, one and one-half percent is added, the amount the county charges for collection.

Section 12.20.090 requires the engineer's office to mark grade lines on the ground, on application, before any sidewalk is built or laid. Snow and ice on the same sidewalks is governed separately by Chapter 12.24.